EXPECTANT parents planning to give birth at Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) can now take the first step in their pregnancy care by referring directly to the maternity service if they choose.
The new online referral option means individuals no longer have to have a formal referral to begin care at NHW.
Women are still able to have their first visit with their family doctor who will support relevant referrals for antenatal and birth care also.
NHW’s chief nurse and midwifery officer, Bernadette Hammond, said the new referral process is designed to make early access to care easier for families across the region especially for those new to the area and without a family doctor.
She said by filling out a simple form on the NHW website, expectant mothers will be contacted within eight days by a member of the maternity team to discuss their care and next steps.
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“This new self-referral option means expectant parents can connect with us directly, without delays or added steps if they choose,” Ms Hammond said.
“It’s about making maternity care more accessible, responsive and supportive from the very beginning.
"Our team is here to guide families through every stage of pregnancy and birth”.
NHW in conjunction with its partners offers a range of maternity care options to suit different needs including:
• antenatal clinic with midwives and obstetric doctors at NHW;
• shared care between NHW and your family doctor;
• Midwifery Group Practice for those with low-risk pregnancies seeking continuity of care with a known midwife;
• pathways for streamlined and connected up care where antenatal care is provided at another health service and birth planned at NHW; and
• continuity of care for First Nations mothers, working closely with community services of their choice
Ms Hammond said this new self-referral process supports NHW’s commitment to providing flexible, high-quality and patient-centred care for families across the region.
To make a referral or learn more about the models of care, visit northeasthealth.org.au/having-a-baby.
