A new Midwifery Birth Centre is being developed at Bentley Hospital that will provide a new, contemporary model of care which has not previously been available in Western Australia.
The WA Government announced on Friday that the project will receive a further $2.6 million funding for the clinic’s build and design.
The new birth centre will comprise of antenatal assessment rooms, birth suites, a midwives’ hub and a family room.
Advanced network capability will also be available, providing the option to share live birth data with other sites within the East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) area.
Two new birth rooms will be included within the new centre, each equipped with a birthing pool.
Member for Victoria Park Hannah Beazley MLA said: “I know as a mum of two – that it is optimal for women to give birth near home and supports. This new maternity service is a great win for our electorate.
“Women will have access to upgraded facilities plus comprehensive care across the duration of their pregnancy, labour and birth as well as postnatal period, thanks to the Cook Government’s investment in this important project,” said Beazley.
The EMHS has commenced the recruitment for new clinic staff to join this new project.
Each pregnant woman will be allocated an endorsed midwife for the duration of their care.
These endorsed midwives are highly skilled health practitioners who have undertaken additional training and are employed by Royal Perth Bentley Group who will be able to:
- order tests and ultrasounds relating to pregnancy, birth and the newborn period
- prescribe medications
- refer women and babies to obstetricians and paediatricians as required
- provide pregnant women with comprehensive care across the duration of their pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatal period
Prior to the development of this new facility, women who chose to access this style of care throughout the duration of their pregnancies and deliveries were required to pay out of pocket.
WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said: “Endorsed midwives tell us that they want to practise to their full scope and the Cook Government is supporting them to do so in our public health system.”
The Bentley Midwifery Birth Centre will open in 2024 to pregnant mothers between the ages of 18 and 40 who are considered low risk by national guidelines.
