Maternity Homecare Program

In late 2006, Mater Mothers’ Hospitals (MMH) launched the first stage of its innovative Collaborative Care Program—the Maternity Homecare Program. The program, an extension of the care currently provided at the Mothers’ Hospitals, was successfully introduced over the course of 2007 in collaboration with Visiting Medical Officers (VMO).

Developed in direct response to the requirements expressed by women and their families, the homecare program provides women with the option to continue their postnatal care at home through routine midwifery visits.

Midwives assist families with adaptation to parenthood and ensure both mother and baby are healthy. They also liaise regularly with the obstetrician and paediatrician concerning the mother and baby’s wellbeing.

The Collaborative Care Program’s development is based on recommendations from a review of Maternity Services in Queensland, conducted by Dr Cherrell Hirst in 2005.

Feedback from women and their families to date has been extremely positive, with requests for the service increasing.