Credit: by Murat Deniz
The Minister for Health, Greg Hunt has announced that the recommendations of a Senate Select Committee which examined the need for better research into stillbirths in Australia are to be accepted either in full or in principle.
The Senate Committee on Stillbirth Research and Education Report called for the development of a National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan in collaboration with State and Territory Governments and in consultation with bereaved parents, health professionals, researchers, advocacy groups and other stakeholders.
The Committee also recommended more investment in stillbirth research and the development of best practice, culturally appropriate resources for health professionals and parents.
Mr Hunt said that as a result, the University of Queensland’s Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth would receive $3 million in research funding for the Australian Safe Baby Bundle project.
“This project aims to reduce the rate of stillbirth after 28 weeks gestation by at least 20 per cent, which would save more than 200 Australian babies each year,” Mr Hunt said.
The Minister said reducing the rate of stillbirth in Australia, including providing the best possible support services for families living with the tragedy of stillbirth, was a health and wellbeing priority.
The Government’s 13-page response to the Committee’s recommendations can be accessed at this PS News link.
