New midwifery clinic to improve health outcomes for women

Expecting and new mothers are now able to see a midwife for pre- and post-natal care in a new community clinic operating out of The Women’s Centre in Aitkenvale.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service midwives are running the clinic every week, giving women continuity in their midwifery care.

Acting nurse unit manager for women and children’s clinics Audra Davis said the new clinic would improve accessibility for those needing care during and after pregnancy.

“We know that not all women can get to or like going to hospital and this means they aren’t attending appointments with a midwife or receiving ongoing care,” she said.

“The Women’s Centre is in a central location close to public transport and was really willing to host clinics in the space.

“Our goal is to have a regular midwife attend the clinic, which provides women with continuity of care, where they are familiar and comfortable with the midwife and are supported during pregnancy and after pregnancy.

“This continuity of care is the gold standard for women and is key in improving antenatal, birthing and postnatal outcomes.”

The clinic will run all day on Thursdays and a midwifery navigator will provide a drop-in service on Tuesday afternoons.

Women can choose to attend for both pre- and post- natal care and will also have access to the many services provided by The Women’s Centre.

The Women’s Centre coordinator Cathy Crawford said The Women’s Centre was happy to take on the new midwifery clinic to help improve access for local women.

“The Women’s Centre is a safe and comfortable location with free carparking and a non-clinical environment for women who need access to midwifery services but don’t want to travel to hospital,” Ms Crawford said.

“Women who access the midwifery clinic here are doing so in an alternative, woman only setting where they can also gain access to the variety of support services and activities we offer on site.

“This may include counselling or sexual assault support or activities such as yoga, writing or music groups and art workshops.”

Ms Crawford said the first few clinics had run beautifully and women had been appreciative of being able to see a midwife at the centre. 

“We’re happy to play a part in improving health care offerings for the community and this is a partnership that we would love to see grow,” she said.