Women in Kangaroo Island can now give birth again with a new model of care developed that improves the stability of the island workforce, enabling the return of birthing services.
Announcing the good news the SA Government said it was the work of the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network in collaboration with the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN).
It said the new service includes a Midwifery Unit Manager (MUM), Associate MUM, two Registered Midwives, Medical Consultants in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and General Practice Obstetricians.
According to the Kangaroo Island Health Service (KIHS), women classified as high-risk will continue to be transferred to the mainland before their birth, but once they have been discharged, they will be able to receive postnatal care from their KIHS midwife.
KIHS said that in recent years, birthing services on Kangaroo Island had been suspended on a number of occasions as the workforce challenges were impacted against the local GP Clinic and health service.
It said its midwifery and obstetrics workforce would now receive ongoing professional development and training through regular WCHN placements.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton said it was very welcome news to have birthing services return to Kangaroo Island, providing access to families living in the remote location and the continuity of care for expectant mothers on the Island.
“The infrequent transport links to the mainland made re-establishing these birthing services on the Island so important,” Mr Picton said.
Attributable Director of Nursing of KIHS, Amy Stopford said the new Maternity Model of Care and Team Midwifery model was what allowed this to happen and maintain the Service for the long run.
“As services recommence, we welcome the opportunity to assist women through their pregnancy and birthing journeys across labour, birth and postnatal care, all while being closer to home,” Ms Stopford said.
