Queensland midwives have today called for a state government commitment to support and expand midwife led services such as Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) state-wide.
Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) Secretary Kate Veach said the QNMU and 71,000 midwife and nurse members were awaiting detail on how Health Minister Shannon Fentiman will allocate $42 million in state budget maternity funds.
Ms Veach said the call for detail followed the state government’s announcement of funds to train 20 GPs in obstetrics medicine and other medical training initiatives. She said maternity funding announcements needed to acknowledge and include the state’s midwives - and midwife led models of care.
“This announcement for additional training for GPs in obstetrics medicine and other training initiatives is a start, but you can’t fix regional maternity services without midwives. In fact, you can't fix any maternity services without midwives,” Ms Veach said.
“Queensland is experiencing a health crisis and the state’s midwives are at the forefront of ensuring women and babies receive quality care where and when it’s needed.
“Not being able to birth safely or locally is a symbol of a system in crisis. Women know this and our members know this. That’s why we’re calling on the state government to ensure all who provide maternity care have the funding and resources necessary to deliver safe, local care for Queensland women.”
Ms Veach said the QNMU and members would not rest until the government committed to the support and expansion of midwife led models of care such as MGP, publicly funded homebirths and the introduction of midwifery ratios.
“We are also seeking a midwifery workforce plan to grow midwife numbers in the face of growing demand for care,” Ms Veach said.
“The state’s incredible midwives deserve to know if the government is committing to these initiatives to keep Queensland mothers and babies safe.”
Ms Veach said Queensland midwives also deserved the option to upskill, like those being offered to GPs.
She said training would allow already skilled midwives to work towards their endorsement, a post graduate qualification that would, for example, enable midwives to order ultrasounds, blood tests and prescribe medication, and further their ability to work to their full scope of practice.
Endorsed midwives would have a Medicare provider number and the ability to offer cost effective care with Commonwealth funded rebates – an invaluable service when many Queenslanders are struggling to access or afford quality Medicare funded care.
“In collaboration, skilled health professionals can help address Queensland’s health crisis,” Ms Veach said.
“However, Queensland’s midwives and midwife led models of care must not be overlooked.”
QNMU member midwife Ashleigh Sullivan said Queensland was experiencing a health crisis – and skilled midwives were well positioned to meet ever growing demand and birth complexities state-wide.
“The fact Queensland women are not able to birth locally or safely tells us the system is in crisis,” Ms Sullivan said.
“Today we call on the state government to ensure Queensland mothers and babies have access to safe care where and when it’s needed. We seek confirmation state budget funds will also be committed to Midwifery Group Practice, midwifery ratios, publicly funded homebirths and a midwifery workforce plan.
“Queensland midwives must be heard and respected.”
The QNMU is calling for:
- The expansion of midwife-led models of care such as Midwifery Group Practice (MGP). MGPs provide continuity of care, with midwives working with mothers and babies during pregnancy, birth and post birth. They also enable women, particularly those in rural and remote areas, to give birth where and when they want to. MGPS can operate without an obstetrician, while ensuring one is available if required. Evidence shows continuity of care models such as MGP result in 24% reduction of pre-term births and a 16% reduction in pregnancy and neonatal loss.
- Commitment to the introduction of midwifery ratios to ensure safe levels of mothers and babies are allocated to a single midwife in Queensland Health (QH) facilities – rather than seeing single midwives allocated up to 18 mothers and babies at a time
- Publicly funded home birth services to allow skilled midwives to provide maternity services for women where and when they are required – particularly in rural and remote areas. Queensland remains one of the last states to introduce this publicly funded option
- Investment in a midwifery workforce plan to grow the midwifery workforce and address growing demand for care.
Ms Veach said it was important to note every woman who gave birth in Queensland would have care provided by a midwife.
“There is a significant opportunity for Health Minister Shannon Fentiman to make a difference for Queensland’s mothers and babies with proper health funding for all who provide maternity care,” Ms Veach said.
“We know women want choice, continuity of care, and services closer to home.”
The QNMU will not rest until the state government commits to midwifery asks that support the wellbeing and safety of Queensland women, babies and midwives.
Contact: 0422 550 278