​An expansion of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven will provide more women and families with access to midwifery continuity of care. 

In exciting news for the community, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has announced the establishment of a new MGP service in the Shoalhaven region, as well as the expansion of Wollongong MGP. 

Under the MGP model, women receive care from a known primary midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth, and up to two weeks after birth. MGP midwives work as part of a small team to ensure support and backup arrangements are in place, as needed. 

Commencing in August, the additional four-midwife Shoalhaven MGP team will have capacity to care for up to 134 women a year. 

In Wollongong, the expansion of MGP with the creation of a new MGP team of five midwives, will significantly increase the number of women able to access the program each year. In addition, Wollongong MGP will be further bolstered by the rotation of two new-graduate midwife positions into the model.

A review of the criteria for MGP is also enabling ​more women with higher-level care needs to access the service, where clinically appropriate, or to stay in the program if they develop risk factors during pregnancy. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We want all women in NSW to have access to respectful, evidence-based maternity care.”

“We have listened to the feedback that women want greater access to midwifery continuity of care, and I am really proud of the work Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has undertaken to enable the expansion of its Midwifery Group Practice service.”

“The collaboration between the Local Health District, local maternity consumer groups and the community ensures we can deliver the best possible care for women, their babies and their families.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

“It’s fantastic that the Local Health District is deeply committed to improving maternity services in the region so that women, their babies and their families can have the best possible birthing experience.”

Quotes attributable to Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“It’s terrific to see this valued model of maternity care is now available for more women and families in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region.”

“I’d like to acknowledge the members of the Shoalhaven Maternity Consumer Advisory Committee who have supported the development of the Shoalhaven Midwifery Group Practice.” 

Quotes attributable to the Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“This Government is committed to working with staff and patients to ensure that maternity care best meets the needs of our community.”

“The Wollongong Midwifery Group Practice model has had great success in the last 20 years, and its expansion has been advocated for by Better Births Illawarra and parents who have used it. It's fantastic that it will be expanded to offer support to many more families each year.”

Quotes attributable to ISLHD Chief Executive Margot Mains:

“We have listened to, and learned from, the experiences of local women and families, including those raised during the birth trauma inquiry.”

“A lot of work has been happening behind the scenes over the past 12 months. We ramped up our efforts in a number of areas, with a particular focus on increasing access to midwifery continuity of care models.”

“I would like to thank the many staff, consumers and advocacy groups who have worked to deliver these positive changes.”