Women and families in the Taree region now have improved access to maternity services following the launch of a Midwifery Group Practice model at Manning Hospital.
The new model will provide eligible women with continuity of care from a known midwife throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, and for up to six weeks after birth.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the service would help expand access to evidence-based maternity care across regional NSW.
“We want all women in NSW to have access to respectful, evidence based maternity care, and the establishment of the Midwifery Group Practice at Manning Hospital is an important step toward achieving this aim,” Park said.
Under the model, women will receive collaborative care from a dedicated team of five midwives led by a Clinical Midwifery Unit Manager. The service has capacity to support up to 160 women each year.
The midwives will work closely with local general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal Medical Services and obstetricians to provide individualised, culturally safe and evidence-based care.
Park said continuity of care models were proven to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
“I’m delighted that women and families in the Taree region will now have the option to receive midwifery continuity of care, which we know leads to better outcomes and more positive experiences,” he said.
Postnatal support will include breastfeeding assistance, reassurance and guidance for new parents, and the early identification of health concerns as families transition home.
Hunter New England Local Health District Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Elizabeth Grist OAM said the model was recognised as one of the most effective approaches to improving maternity outcomes.
“Midwifery continuity of care is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes for women and babies. Our team is proud to bring this model to the Taree community,” Grist said.
“Having a known midwife walk alongside a woman throughout her pregnancy journey builds trust, enhances communication, and supports safer, more satisfying birth experiences.”
The initiative is supported by a $44.8 million investment in maternity care in the 2025–26 NSW Budget, including funding for an additional 53 full-time equivalent midwives in regional NSW.
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