Expectant mums of Western Sydney are set to benefit from the dedication of Auburn Hospital staff as ‘the gold standard’ of midwifery care is now available.
Caseload midwifery has been launched for the first time at the hospital, after years of work by staff at Auburn Hospital.
Nesrine Hatif CMC, Models of Care, explains what caseload midwifery is.
“Caseload is a continuity of care model that provides women with care led by a known midwife throughout her pregnancy, labour and birth and the early postnatal period,” Nesrine said.
Previously women would be seen by a different midwife each visit in their antenatal care, birth, and postpartum recovery.
“It is seen as the gold standard of maternity care for women, caseload will be offered to women with a low-risk pregnancy on entry for the duration of their pregnancy,” Nesrine said.
Caseload is where the same midwife pairs with a patient throughout the pregnancy, for the birth and after care.
“The benefits for women and their families are that women are more likely to have a normal birth if they’re cared for on caseload, women are less likely to experience unnecessary intervention, and babies are more likely to be born healthy and at term.”
Midwives who also accompany the mother and baby throughout their journey also find the model rewarding.
“Midwives experience higher job satisfaction working on caseload, less burnout and are able to remain in the workforce for longer,” Nesrine said.
Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Auburn Hospital Kerry Newton launched the program in what she described as a proud moment building on the history of achievement.
“Midwifery caseload has come a long way. It’s been a major project of ours, and we are so proud that it’s finally up and running”, Kerry said.
Four midwives will be dedicated to caseload midwifery working in a team.
Each will be responsible for the care of 36 women per year, about 12% of total births for the year at Auburn Hospital.
Caseload Midwife Amar Hamed says this is a historic moment for Auburn Hospital.
“This achievement is the culmination of nearly three decades of dedication, advocacy and hard work of countless individuals who believed in the power of continuity of care and its transformative impact on women and families,” Amar said.
Amar has worked as a caseload midwife at Westmead Hospital, and is one of the new recruits to Auburn Hospital to begin caseload.
“Looking ahead and as we launch caseload at Auburn hospital, I’m excited to see the impact it will have on this community,” Amar said.