Improving Access to Quality Maternity Care
By Five have been keeping a keen eye on all things Rural maternity care and there is some great work happening from the local to the national level.
In August, the Australian College of Midwives and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia coordinated a national forum to drive solutions to improve and sustain access to safe and quality maternity care in rural and remote Australia. There were a number of key actions that were developed at the forum, with the first step being for the National Rural Health Commissioner, Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, to discuss the priority recommendations with Government and Department representatives. The full press release can be found here:
ACM Chief Midwife, Alison Weatherstone, National Rural Health Commissioner, Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, and RDAA President, Dr Megan Belot at the National Rural Maternity Forum in August.
Jo and Emily had the opportunity to meet with Ruth Stewart and the Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner – Nursing and Midwifery, Adjunct Professor Shelly Nowland to hear about things happening in rural communities right across Australia that put women and communities at the centre of service design. We look forward to staying in touch on this topic.
It is great to hear stories of passionate professionals all over Victoria committed to strengthening the rural maternity environment which is so important for not only existing families and child development but also for the future prosperity of our region.
