- New $2.6 million Midwifery Birth Centre at Bentley Hospital the first of its kind in WA
- Incorporates a new model of care for pregnant women accessing public hospitals
- The same midwife will care for the woman for the duration of her pregnancy
Western Australia's first entirely endorsed midwife-led maternity service at a public hospital was officially opened today by Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
Bentley Hospital's $2.6 million Midwifery Birth Centre will provide women within the East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) catchment area a new - and increasingly requested - option for childbirth.
In a first for public hospitals in Western Australia, the service is led and entirely staffed by Credentialed and Endorsed midwives.
Endorsed midwives are highly skilled health practitioners who have undertaken additional training. They can order tests and ultrasounds relating to pregnancy, birth, and the newborn period, prescribe medications, and can refer women and babies to obstetricians and paediatricians as needed.
Women using the service will be cared for by the same midwife for the duration of their pregnancy - even if the mother or baby is required to transfer to another hospital due to any unforeseen circumstances.
The centre is designed to cater for expectant women who are deemed to be low risk according to national guidelines. It incorporates two birth suites - each with their own large birthing pool, a consultation room, a family room and a midwives' hub.
Unlike traditional maternity hospitals, women wishing to use the new centre, can self-refer online via the EMHS website.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"The new multimillion-dollar Midwifery Birth Centre at Bentley Hospital is an example of how my Government is listening to women and delivering on what matters.
"Bentley Hospital is developing into a significant healthcare hub and this new option will provide the patient-centred care families have been asking for.
"Along with the new Women and Babies Hospital, expanded maternity services at Osborne Park Hospital and upgraded neonatal services at Perth Children's Hospital, we are providing the best possible experience for new mums and their babies."
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"As a mother myself, I know how important continuity of care is and why having the same midwife with you for your entire pregnancy journey will undoubtedly enhance the birth experience.
"As Health Minister, I'm very proud to say that the contemporary model of care adopted at the Bentley Midwifery Birth Centre is in line with the best on offer within any public hospital in Australia.
"It is all about choice - providing birthing women within the public hospital system the same options available within the private system."
