A new collaborative model of care at Glen Innes Hospital will offer women continuity and personalised care from a known midwife, in partnership with a general practitioner (GP) obstetrician.
Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said the new model of care will be gradually rolled out to provide an additional safe and supportive option for local families wanting to birth close to home.
"I'm thrilled to announce the re-establishment of maternity services in Glen Innes with this collaborative model of midwifery care," Mr Park said.
"Women and their families can gain reassurance with face-to-face and after-hours phone support from a known midwife throughout their pregnancy, and those precious weeks after a baby is born."
Hunter New England Local Health District, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Elizabeth Grist, said a small team of experienced midwives will work alongside pregnant women to establish a safe and appropriate birthing plan.
"All pregnant women in Glen Innes will have access to this program, with their place of birth to be guided by risk factors in consultation with the GP obstetrician," Ms Grist said.
"Our midwives are looking forward to forming close relationships with women in our community and helping to support them all the way through their birthing and postnatal journeys."
Maternity Unit Manager for Glen Innes Hospital, Tracey Barnden, said strong international evidence demonstrates significantly improved outcomes for women and their babies when supported by midwifery continuity of care models, especially in regional settings.
"We know that woman-centred care throughout pregnancy by a known midwife reduces length of stay in hospital and improves maternal and neonatal outcomes. We're proud to be able to introduce this collaborative model in Glen Innes," Ms Barnden said.
Pregnant women are encouraged to see their GP for a referral to the Glen Innes Maternity service or contact the maternity unit directly for more information.
