Published Monday, 26 May, 2008 at 03:56 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON TOWNSVILLE BIRTHING CENTRE
Townsville: Work has started on Townsville’s first Birthing Centre.
Premier Anna Bligh and Health Minister Stephen Robertson marked the start of construction on the $ 2.2 million project at a sod-turning ceremony.
The centre will have three birth spaces for expectant mothers to use until they’ve given birth and are assessed as being ready for discharge.
“Growing demand and a growing population has meant we’ve had to rethink the way maternity services are delivered,” Ms Bligh said.
“More women are seeking low clinical intervention models for low risk deliveries, as well as holistic support for their antenatal and post-birth care.
“This centre is about giving women that choice, while at the same time ensuring both mother and baby have access to specialist medical care when needed.
“The clear priority of my Government is to ensure the safety and sustainability of maternity services in Queensland.”
Mr Robertson said the Birthing Centre was designed in close consultation with expectant mothers and community stakeholders.
“We consulted extensively with the local community and we know those women facing a low risk birth want greater control of their birthing experience.
“This centre will ensure Townsville is well equipped to deal with the continuing demand for low intervention models of maternity care well into the future.
“I’d particularly like to thank the Friends of the Birth Centre Townsville for their input into this unique and exciting model of care.”
Ms Bligh said the Birth Centre would enable women to give birth in a relaxed atmosphere while supported by family and friends.
“Many women would prefer to give birth in a more homely environment with a focus on active, natural births with minimal intervention,” she said.
“The centre will promote multidisciplinary learning and trust, so women will be able to access levels of care, as they require them.
“It will make the best use of the complementary skills of Midwives, General Practitioners and Obstetricians.
“Mothers will have the support of tertiary referral services at the attached Townsville Hospital should intervention be necessary.
“Throughout the pregnancy, labour, birth and post birth, mothers will be supported by one midwife and her small team of supporting midwifes to ensure continuity of care.
“This centre is another way we are planning for the future,” she said.
Mr Robertson said the Bligh government was actively planning and implementing strategies across the state to address the growing demand for maternity services.
“We’ve established a Maternal and Neonatal Clinical Network as well as a dedicated Maternity Unit to drive reform across the maternity sector,” he said.
“The Maternity Unit is working closely with health professionals to introduce a greater range of service options including providing antenatal and post birth care in community based settings.
“We’ve also committed $29 million to establish the Universal Postnatal Contact Service which will ensure all mothers of newborn babies in Queensland receive follow-up contact from a health professional after they leave hospital.”
The Birthing Centre will be built with a $1 million contribution from the Queensland Government announced as an election commitment in 2006 and an additional $1.2million from the Queensland Health budget.
The Gold Coast, Mackay and Brisbane have Birth Centres.
Media Minister’s Office 3234 1190
Premier Anna Bligh and Health Minister Stephen Robertson marked the start of construction on the $ 2.2 million project at a sod-turning ceremony.
The centre will have three birth spaces for expectant mothers to use until they’ve given birth and are assessed as being ready for discharge.
“Growing demand and a growing population has meant we’ve had to rethink the way maternity services are delivered,” Ms Bligh said.
“More women are seeking low clinical intervention models for low risk deliveries, as well as holistic support for their antenatal and post-birth care.
“This centre is about giving women that choice, while at the same time ensuring both mother and baby have access to specialist medical care when needed.
“The clear priority of my Government is to ensure the safety and sustainability of maternity services in Queensland.”
Mr Robertson said the Birthing Centre was designed in close consultation with expectant mothers and community stakeholders.
“We consulted extensively with the local community and we know those women facing a low risk birth want greater control of their birthing experience.
“This centre will ensure Townsville is well equipped to deal with the continuing demand for low intervention models of maternity care well into the future.
“I’d particularly like to thank the Friends of the Birth Centre Townsville for their input into this unique and exciting model of care.”
Ms Bligh said the Birth Centre would enable women to give birth in a relaxed atmosphere while supported by family and friends.
“Many women would prefer to give birth in a more homely environment with a focus on active, natural births with minimal intervention,” she said.
“The centre will promote multidisciplinary learning and trust, so women will be able to access levels of care, as they require them.
“It will make the best use of the complementary skills of Midwives, General Practitioners and Obstetricians.
“Mothers will have the support of tertiary referral services at the attached Townsville Hospital should intervention be necessary.
“Throughout the pregnancy, labour, birth and post birth, mothers will be supported by one midwife and her small team of supporting midwifes to ensure continuity of care.
“This centre is another way we are planning for the future,” she said.
Mr Robertson said the Bligh government was actively planning and implementing strategies across the state to address the growing demand for maternity services.
“We’ve established a Maternal and Neonatal Clinical Network as well as a dedicated Maternity Unit to drive reform across the maternity sector,” he said.
“The Maternity Unit is working closely with health professionals to introduce a greater range of service options including providing antenatal and post birth care in community based settings.
“We’ve also committed $29 million to establish the Universal Postnatal Contact Service which will ensure all mothers of newborn babies in Queensland receive follow-up contact from a health professional after they leave hospital.”
The Birthing Centre will be built with a $1 million contribution from the Queensland Government announced as an election commitment in 2006 and an additional $1.2million from the Queensland Health budget.
The Gold Coast, Mackay and Brisbane have Birth Centres.
Media Minister’s Office 3234 1190