A new Midwifery Navigator Service is supporting expectant mothers with substance abuse and mental health issues through their pregnancy journey and beyond.
Developed in partnership by the Clinical Excellence Division's Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer and Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, a dedicated team of experienced midwives focus solely on coordinating care for vulnerable mums on the Gold Coast.
Drawing on the principles of the continuity of care model, the midwives work closely with the mother's primary carers, specialists, and other health professionals to improve the mother's engagement with the health system and bonding between mum and bub. The midwife is involved in the mother's care throughout pregnancy and for up to six weeks after birth, with folllow-up appointments at three, six and twelve months after birth in an effort to improve perinatal outcomes.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Shelley Nowlan said the service built on the success of the Nurse Navigator role. "Like our Nurse Navigators, these midwives are helping those in our communities with complex health needs move seamlessly through our healthcare system, and linking new mothers with the right health professionals, at the right time and in the right place to ensure they receive safe, quality care that meets their needs."
Diane Tamariki, one of the three new navigators, said demand was expected to be strong. "The three of us are looking forward to being able to work closely with mothers, their primary carers, specialists and health professionals in an effort to improve bonding between mums and bubs and prevent hospital readmissions."
The new service offered by these experienced midwives received 40 referrals on the first day of opening.
