Refugee Maternity Clinic launched at Mater

On 13 November, Mater Mothers’ Hospitals (MMH) commenced a new Refugee Maternity Clinic which will develop into a service model of care over the next 12 months.

The clinic was developed in response to an unmet community need and is based on a best practice model to support appropriate health care, psycho-social support and resources for women of a refugee background birthing at MMH.

Pregnant women of a refugee background may have a range of pre-existing medical conditions, many of which have been shown to impact maternal, fetal and neonatal health.

In recent years MMH has developed a women and family centred approach in designing holistic antenatal clinics that respond to the particular and diverse needs of women, as individuals and as part of groups.

The number of women of a refugee background birthing at MMH has steadily increased over time with approximately 150 births during 2007 and a similar number expected this year.

These numbers are set to rise as a result of Queensland’s general population growth and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Scheme, which is committed to accepting 1500 humanitarian refugees each year into Queensland.

The Refugee Maternity Clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team including a lead obstetrician, dedicated midwife, social worker and interpreter for continuity of care. This approach will facilitate the development of social support networks for women and their families.

While it is a midwifery-led service, women with complex health needs during pregnancy will have care from an obstetrician, who will work in collaboration with their midwife.

The service is generously supported by the Sisters of Mercy. For more information contact Kay Wilson, Midwifery Unit Manager MMH Antenatal Clinic on 07 3163 8823 or email kay.wilson@mater.org.au.