Australia opens first midwife-led maternity centre

Women wishing to use the new centre can self-refer via the East Metropolitan Health Service website.

Australia's first midwife-led maternity service at a public hospital, worth A$2.6m, was opened by Premier Roger Cook and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.

Bentley Hospital's midwifery birth centre—led and entirely staffed by Credentialed and Endorsed midwives—will provide women within the East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) area a new option for childbirth.

The centre will cater to low-risk expectant women and will incorporate two birth suites each with its large birthing pool, a consultation room, a family room, and a midwives' hub.

Endorsed midwives can order tests and ultrasounds relating to pregnancy, birth, and the newborn period, prescribe medications, and refer patients to obstetricians and paediatricians as needed.

Unlike traditional maternity hospitals, women wishing to use the new centre can self-refer via the EMHS website.