New programs enabling private midwives to provide birthing services in public hospitals will commence next year, giving Victorian women more choices when it comes to their maternity care.
As promised prior to the election, two pilot sites – at Monash Health and at Northern Health – will be established to enable women to give birth in a public hospital as a private patient of an eligible midwife.
The Andrews Labor Government is committed to providing more maternity choices for women, and to supporting Victoria’s public hospitals to expand their midwifery services.
Under this initiative, private midwives will be able to support their patients in a Monash Health or Northern Health hospital.
It means these women will be able to have the same, known caregiver from the beginning of their pregnancy until the end.
Following the pilot program, which will commence from mid-2016, the Government will consider how the program may be expanded to other maternity services across the state.
More than 70,000 babies are born each year in Victoria, and this initiative means Victorian women will have more maternity choices than ever before.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy
“As promised, we’re giving Victorian women more choice about their maternity care.”
“Many women want to have a familiar voice and trusted caregiver with them during labour. This program will enable private midwives to work in public hospitals and provide continuity of care.”
“Pregnancy and birthing can be scary, and this initiative means women will be able to have the same midwife from the start of their pregnancy, through to birth, and the weeks beyond.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021