Women and families accessing public maternity services in Canberra will benefit from a new trial designed to improve continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
The 12.-month trial will support six endorsed midwives to work to their full scope of practice, helping women receive more care from the health professionals already involved in their pregnancy journey and reduce unnecessary appointments and handovers where appropriate.
Endorsed midwives are registered midwives who have completed additional education and met national regulatory requirements established by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. They can prescribe certain medicines and other tests within their approved scope of practice.
During the trial, endorsed midwives will provide care across a range of maternity settings at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital, including birth suites, maternity assessment units, continuity of midwifery care services and antenatal and postnatal care.
Canberra Health Services has established a credentialing pathway, scope of clinical practice framework and associated procedures to support the safe implementation of the role, and implementation will be evaluated throughout the 12 months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Dr Marisa Paterson:
"When you're expecting a baby, the last thing you need is extra appointments. This trial will help eligible women receive more of their care from the midwives they already know, making maternity care more connected and easier to navigate.
"As we mark Women's Health Week, this trial reflects our commitment to delivering health services that respond to women's needs and experiences.
"Midwives are at the heart of maternity care, supporting women and birthing people, babies and families every day. This trial recognises their expertise and supports them to work to the full extent of their education, training and experience.
"Importantly, endorsed midwives work closely with obstetricians, doctors and other health care professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring women and birthing people continue to receive safe, high-quality care throughout their pregnancy journey."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Director of Midwifery, North Canberra Hospital, Hana Sayers:
"Welcoming a baby is one of life's most significant moments. Every family deserves maternity care that feels connected, supportive and easy to navigate.
"By supporting endorsed midwives to work to their full scope of practice, women can receive more of their care from the clinicians who know them best, helping to build continuity and stronger relationships throughout pregnancy.
"We're excited to see how this trial can improve the experience of women and families accessing public maternity care across Canberra."
