BLIGH BRINGS NEWBORN SUPPORT TO MACKAY MUMS AND DADS

Premier Anna Bligh was in Mackay today to announce a new $200,000 support clinic for parents of young babies.

Ms Bligh said Mackay mums and dads would be the next Queenslanders to benefit from a Newborn and Family Drop-in Service, which is being delivered under her Government’s $30 million family support program.

“Every parent knows that the early weeks and months of parenthood can be the toughest,” Ms Bligh said.

“The family support program is about ensuring every new mother receives direct support after birth to make sure they’re coping with parenthood’s early stresses - and drop-in clinics play an important role.

“The clinics are in handy locations - like in or near shopping centres - and qualified nurses and health professionals are available to offer parents advice and referrals on anything from breastfeeding and nutrition to parenting programs and playgroups.

“And importantly, as a drop-in service, no appointment is needed.

“There is already an average of over 360 families accessing the eight clinics across the State every week, and I know Mackay parents will benefit from the service when it comes on line before the end of the year,” she said.

Ms Bligh said the clinic would also help ensure all mothers that birthed at the Mackay Base Hospital would receive direct telephone follow-up within the first postnatal week.

“The clinics, established across eight regions, provide another way new mothers can access support and advice to ensure they’re coping with the first weeks at home with their new babies.

“This helps both parents and health professionals identify any difficulties early and support can be provided to assist,” she said.

Ms Bligh said a search was now underway for suitable accommodation for the new service, and Queensland Health would begin consultation with local parenting groups and the community to see which services and operating hours would most benefit local woman.

“We try to coincide opening times with child health clinics, playgroup times or shopping centre times so mums and babies can drop in easily,” she said.

Following a successful trial in Ipswich and Deception Bay, a further six centres were opened last year at the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns and Logan.

Mackay will be the next regions to benefit from the service.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said help for parents is also available through the Health Contact Centre, which operates the 13HEALTH hotline.

““The hotline provides round-the-clock access to high-quality parenting information, support, and advice.

“Parents can call and get information on issues like settling in newborns or young babies, teething problems, introduction of solids, sleeping problems in older infants, behavioural problems in young children, and how to care for children if there is an indication they are unwell.

17 February 2009

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office) or 3234 1190 (Minister’s Robertson’s office)