The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more nurses and midwives through a $28 million investment to build a new world-class Nurses and Midwives Academy facility at the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne.
The Epworth Medical Foundation's Brookes Academy will receive funding for the construction of a dedicated multi-story building to deliver education pathways for nurses and midwives at all stages of their career, including upskilling into specialised care.
The new building will be equipped with the latest digital technology including a world-class Blended Learning Simulation Suite (BLISS) to create a truly immersive environment.
Nurses and midwives around Australia, including in rural and remote communities, will benefit from education and training through the advanced digital platforms of the state-of-the-art Academy.
Since it launched in May 2023, more than 800 staff have commenced training pathways with the Academy.
This announcement comes as the Albanese Labor Government also introduces several new Medicare rebates and increases other Medicare rebates, to better support nurses and midwives to provide the care Australians need, and recognise that midwives need to spend longer with women during their pregnancy journey.
Among the key changes are:
- Longer appointments of at least 90 minutes, before or after the birth of a child
- A new Medicare rebate to cover complex antenatal appointments of up to three hours, where the women is admitted to hospital
- A birth debrief and mental health screening included as part of the final postnatal attendance.
The $56.5 million commitment from the 2024-25 Budget begins 1 March 2025.
Midwife continuity of care is often the preferred model of care for women, and has been proven to be highly beneficial, especially for women in rural and regional areas.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP:
"I am so proud to be part of the Albanese Labor Government who recognise that nurses and midwives are the backbone of our healthcare system and have taken a reform approach towards nursing and midwifery.
"As a former nurse, I know the impact further study and training can have on enhancing leadership and clinical skills. This Academy will not only develop our nursing and midwifery workforce, but also deliver improved care for all Australians across the country.
"No matter where you live, how much money you have, or what stage of life you're at, you deserve the best possible healthcare. Investing in nurses and midwives is just one of the ways the Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare to ensure this reality."
