8 November 2006
Input invited on the future direction of maternity care
in WA
The
introduction of local midwifery practices and family birth centres are just
two of the new ideas put forward in a discussion paper about the future of
maternity care in Western
Australia.
Director
General of Health Dr Neale Fong said these services would allow women to
access a wider choice of options for safe maternity care and would build on
the excellent services already available in this State.
“I
encourage the community and health professionals to have their say on this
discussion paper to ensure that people involved in receiving and delivering
maternity care help set the direction,” he said.
“The
views collected from this phase of consultation, together with
international and national best practice and evidence-based research, will
form the basis of a new maternity care policy, which will be available for
comment next year.”
Dr
Fong said this multi-phased consultation approach had been adopted so that
as many people as possible had the opportunity to be involved and give
their views.
Dr
Fong said information was sought on the following questions:
- Do you think the proposed options will help
women become more involved in their maternity care?
- Do you have any comments on how the future
could look as described in the discussion paper?
- If the options suggested in the discussion
paper were available, would you use them?
- What other maternity options should be
offered?
- What other health reform strategies need to
be integrated with maternity care when formulating state policy?
- What other issues would you like to raise in
regard to providing public maternity care in WA?
The
public has until 31 December to comment on the discussion paper that was
written in consultation with health professionals and the Health
Consumers’ Council as part of the Future Direction in Maternity Care
Consultation.
Copies
of the discussion paper can be obtained on the website http://www.clinicalnetworks.health.wa.gov.au.
Responses
should be sent to:
Future Directions of Maternity Care Consultation
Department of Health
Clinical Network Support Unit
Reply Paid 80686, Locked Bag 59
Perth BC
WA 6849
Or
Email: healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au
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