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Darling Downs Health is marking a year of historic achievements on the Southern Downs, with the local Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) celebrating its first anniversary.
The MGP model of care started operating in Warwick and Stanthorpe in July 2024 and has since helped 128 mothers give birth in their local community.
Darling Downs Health Chief Executive, Annette Scott PSM said the Southern Downs MGP had achieved major milestones in its first year of operation, including Stanthorpe’s first water birth.
“The MGP has been able to provide choice and quality care to women on the Southern Downs,”
Darling Downs Health Chief Executive, Annette Scott PSM
“It’s also ensured women in rural communities can access the same high-quality care as those in metropolitan areas, closer to home and surrounded by their support networks.”
The MGP model of care partners women with a known midwife who provides individualised care based on their needs and preferences during pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum care.
Consumer representative Emily Chamberlain said the service had been a game-changer.
“First-time mums are loving the experience. Having a midwife they can build trust with throughout their pregnancy is making a real difference,” Ms Chamberlain said.
“Then having that same midwife support them in the early weeks of having a new baby is a huge improvement.”
“We’re hearing that women feel more supported and more trusting of their care providers.”
She said local women were encouraged and felt they had been listened to by Darling Downs Health.
Southern Downs Midwifery Unit Manager, Toni Randall said over the next 12 months the service would be looking to encourage more women to participate in the MGP program.
The Southern Downs Midwifery Group Practice is funded by the State Government’s $42 million rural and regional birthing services package.
ENDS