Midwifery trial to benefit Mid North, YP

Health and Wellbeing Minister Stephen Wade said the trial program would ensure mothers and babies received the best rural maternity care.

"We know that all too often, expectant mothers in rural and regional areas have limited access to the full suite of antenatal, postnatal, labour and birthing services," he said.

"This trial program will benefit local mothers and their families to ensure they can get the best rural maternity care, closer to home.

"The trial will also ensure support local jobs, by sustaining a regional midwifery workforce and improving capabilities for the future."

Through the Sustainability Midwifery Caseload Model of Care trial, midwives will work in partnership with local health services to provide continuity of care throughout the pregnancy and birth.

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Yorke and Northern LHN Nursing and Midwifery executive director Michael Eades said the trial was modelled on nationally-recognised pregnancy care.

"This trial is based on best practice and will mean women will have the same midwife caring for them throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and post birth," he said.

"Women will be able to build a trusting relationship with their midwife, which we know can increase their confidence, as well as their birth satisfaction, which can deliver better perinatal outcomes.

"As part of the program, midwives will consult with, and refer to, doctors and other caregivers according to guidelines and clinical needs.

"We are confident local women will benefit from building a trusting relationship with their midwife and consistent access to high-quality health care throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey."

Mr Eades said the continuity model would also deliver flexible working arrangements for midwives.

The trial is expected to improve the recruitment and retention of midwives across regional SA, as well as the long-term sustainability of regional birthing services.

If successful, the Model of Care will be rolled out across other regions.

The Model of Care was designed with input from a broad range of regional clinicians and experts across the Yorke and Northern LHN and is being trialled for a two-year period.