MAPS ready to launch

Wimmera mothers will have access to a dedicated midwife through the antenatal and postnatal periods under a new program being launched next month. 

The new model will ensure continuity of care, providing a positive and safe environment with the support of 10 midwives recruited to the program at Horsham Maternity Outpatients Clinic. 

Horsham Maternity Services manager Jane Rentsch said the Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Service (MAPS) will commence from February 2. 

“Under MAPS, women will be introduced to a named midwife who will provide antenatal care and education, postnatal home support and care for up to 10 days post birth,” Mrs Rentsch said. 

“Everyone who is booked at the Maternity Clinic in Horsham will come under the MAPS program regardless of their level of risk.” 

Horsham Maternity Clinic will host an open day on Tuesday, February 3 from 2pm to 4pm where the public can come along and meet the midwives involved in the MAPS program and learn more about the services available. 

“Grampians Health opened the clinic just over three years ago now and the services here have grown significantly since then,” Mrs Rentsch said.  

“We are very excited to now offer a new continuity of care program.” 

Grampians Health Acting Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Meredith Theobald said the MAPS program was promoting a service that provided quality maternal and neonatal outcomes based on best practice. 

“The introduction of MAPS has been the result of thorough and collaborative planning and is another example of Grampians Health delivering care that is responsive to local community needs,” she said. 

 Grampians Health’s Horsham campus delivers around 250 babies annually.