Two local health bodies have announced a new collaboration to support the delivery of maternity services for the Benalla community, ensuring expectant mothers receive high-quality care close to home.

Benalla Health, supported by GV Health, will provide comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care including midwifery and obstetric clinics, antenatal classes, breastfeeding support, and post-birth domiciliary care.

Midwifery assessment will be available onsite at Benalla 24/7 under the guidance of GV Health obstetricians, and expectant mothers will have access to a range of GV Health specialists via in-person or telehealth appointments.

Births will take place at GV Health’s Shepparton Hospital, which offers four recently upgraded birthing rooms, each featuring a private ensuite with shower, facilities for a support person to stay overnight and appropriate equipment to accommodate both high and low risk births.

Water birth facilities are also available for low-risk women.

With the recent rollout of a fully integrated Patient Administration System across the Hume region, clinicians and staff at both health services now share access to unified health records, ensuring seamless continuity of care.

"We understand how important it is for local families to have access to consistent and compassionate maternity care," Benalla Health CEO Jackie Kelly said.

“The partnership between Benalla Health and GV Health will allow expectant mothers to receive local care at Benalla Health while benefiting from the expertise and expanded resources of GV Health."

Benalla Health and GV Health will ensure ongoing engagement with the community, GPs, and services providers about maternity services at Benalla.

A community information session will be held next week to help inform on plans to recommence birthing services at Benalla Health in the future.

Date: Wednesday 24 September

Time: 6–7pm

Location: Tomorrow Today, Shop 4, 66 Nunn Street, Benalla

For more information visit gvhealth.org.au/our-services/maternity-services/