Expectant mothers on the Sunshine Coast will soon have the option to give birth at home thanks to a new service delivered by Queensland Health.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced an initial investment of $1.2 million to launch the new homebirth initiative, which is expected to start at Sunshine Coast University Hospital from mid-2024.
Currently, Queensland women can choose to birth at home through privately practicing midwives, however to ensure the freedom of choice this will soon be expanded to include Queensland Health midwives employed under a Midwifery Group Practice Model on the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland Health midwives on the Sunshine Coast will also provide evidence-based care to women who have opted for a homebirth and who have a low-risk pregnancy.
Queensland Health will assess the outcomes of the service by evaluating various factors, including safety, quality, benefits to women, consumer interest, consumer feedback and sustainability.