#29 - How Do We Improve Maternity Services In Rural Australia?

How far would you travel to give birth? Half an hour? An hour? How about six hours? This is a reality for many Australian women in rural and remote communities in Australia, who have been forgotten when it comes to planning maternity care. Poor access to services is one reason why women and babies in remote Australia have worse health outcomes than their urban counterparts. So what can we do to fix it? Many midwives are calling for the creation of freestanding midwifery units (FMUs)(also known as primary midwifery units) that are local and can offer care to low-risk women. Producer/Presenter: Ellen Leabeater Speakers: Anne Keely - Midwife, Ryde Midwifery Group Practice Sarah - Mother Amy Monk - Lecturer, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney & researcher, EMU study (Australia) Celia Grigg - Researchers, EMU study (New Zealand) Sue Kildea - Professor of Midwifery, University of Queensland Caroline Homer - Professor of Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney Lesley Barclay - Emeritus Professor, University of Sydney Jenny Gamble - Head of Midwifery, Griffith University Michael Permezel - President of Royal Australia and NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists For more info and transcripts: 2ser.com/thinkhealth This show is produced with the support of the University of Technology Sydney and 2SER. Please consult your GP or midwife if this show has raised any concerns.