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Care Opinion

No Access to Midwife-led continuity models of care

Posted By silverwareys45

"No Access to Midwife-led continuity models of care"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / Antenatal Clinic, Birth Suite, Maternal Fetal Assessment Unit, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, Wards 3B, 3C, 3D, 3DO, Visiting Midwife Service King Edward Memorial Hospital / Community Midwifery Program King Edward Memorial Hospital / Maternity

(as a relative),

I'm writing on behalf of my sibling who is currently 19 weeks pregnant with their first child. In her early pregnancy, she applied for the birthing centres at Fiona Stanley and King Edward Memorial Hospital and was rejected from both, I believe due to full capacity. She lives 20 minutes away and has been referred to King Edward Memorial Hospital for her care - despite having a low-risk pregnancy. 

She was hoping to engage with a midwifery-led program at King Eddies so that she can at least enjoy the benefits of Midwife-led continuity model of care. Unfortunately, the midwife at her first appointment has told her there is no room for her with any Midwife program. I believe this means she isn't able to access even her third preference of model of care. 

Surely there is capacity somewhere for her to have the type of care she wants? If not, why are hospitals not supporting/resourcing this type of care to match the current demand? 

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Responses

Response from Neil Doverty, Executive Director Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group, South Metropolitan Health Service 3 years ago
Neil Doverty
Executive Director Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 29/05/2020 at 5:07 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 1/06/2020 at 9:37 AM

picture of Neil Doverty

Dear silverwareys45,

Thank you for reaching out to us on behalf of your sister. I have been in touch with the Coordinator of Nursing and Midwifery, who confirmed that our Midwifery-Led Continuity Model is heavily subscribed.

Having said that, Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) is committed to the growth of the Midwifery-Led Continuity Model, and as such is continuing to increase the availability.

I am sorry if the increase in availability does not occur in line with the timing of your sister’s pregnancy, but please be assured we are doing our best.

I do acknowledge your sister’s disappointment, and although I am unable to comment on King Edward Memorial Hospital, if your sister would like to discuss her situation further, I encourage her to contact the FSH Patient and Family Liaison team, on 6152 4013, or FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au.

Thank you again for alerting us to your sister’s situation – we wish her all the best in the second half of her pregnancy and with the arrival of her new family member.

Kind regards,

Neil Doverty

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Response from Jodi Graham, Executive Director, Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group 3 years ago
Jodi Graham
Executive Director,
Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group

Submitted on 3/06/2020 at 10:53 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 11:38 AM

picture of Jodi Graham

Dear silverwareys45

Thank you for taking the time to share your sibling’s story regarding her wish to engage with a midwifery-led program for her first pregnancy. What an incredibly exciting time for your family. I am sorry to hear that there is currently no capacity to offer the midwifery-led model of care to your sibling at the King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH).

Despite having a number of midwifery group practices at KEMH, there are limits on the number of families that we are able to accept. These limits are set to ensure that we are able to provide quality, patient-centred and safe care to our families at all times. I acknowledge that this situation must be disappointing for your sibling. I would like to suggest that your sibling makes contact with our service once again and a discussion can be had to place your sibling on our waitlist.

Our service relies on this type of feedback so that we can understand the pregnancy and birthing journey preferences of families in the community. KEMH is looking at expanding the midwifery-led program for our families in the future as our numbers grow and your feedback supports this. I would like to once again thank you for your feedback. I would like to wish you and your sibling all the best for the future.

Regards,

Jodi

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Update posted by silverwareys45 (a relative)

Hi Jodi and Neil,

Thank you for responding to my feedback. I'm very glad to hear both Fiona Stanley and King Eddies are considering expanding the capacity of midwifery-led programs.

Thank you.

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