GIPPSLAND mothers will have even better access to high-quality midwifery care thanks to a $165,000 State Government boost.
Speaking at the 18th Ministerial Rural Health Forum, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said 18 country hospitals, including Central Gippsland Health Service, Sale, and two large maternity projects would share in $1.5 million funding from the 2009-10 Rural Maternity Initiative.
"The Rural Maternity Initiative gives mums-to-be the reassurance they can give birth in their local community with access to seamless care from pregnancy through to childbirth and post-birth care,'' Mr Andrews said.
"Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Central Gippsland Health Service Sale, Latrobe Regional Hospital and Orbost Regional Health Service will receive $165,000 to support local maternity services.
"Since 2003, the government has committed $9.6 million to the Rural Maternity Initiative, and over 50 projects and services across the state have been funded.''
Mr Andrews said births in regional and rural hospitals had increased by 5.2 per cent over the past three years. "This initiative strengthens local maternity services and enhances collaboration between health services. Hospitals and health services are trying new models of midwifery care that improve the experience, outcomes and choices for women having babies,'' he said.