A group of Cloncurry parents were worried the remote regions of Julia Creek and McKinlay were going to lose the vital service of a midwife saying the role had been revised due to the increase of expectant mothers in Cloncurry.
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The North West Star spoke to The North West Hospital and Health Services’ Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones who said there are no plans to cut back midwife services in regional areas.
“The primary midwife will continue to provide care to the regions,” Ms Davies Jones said.
“There is no intention to change the current antenatal and postnatal services provided at Cloncurry, Julia Creek and McKinlay.
“The role had been challenged in providing the primary midwife service of birthing at Mount Isa Hospital due to the safety of the staff member with after hours travel,” she said.
Ms Davies Jones said the position welcomed deliveries in Mount Isa in working hours and this will continue to apply.
“As an organisation our primary concerns are always to provide women-centred care but also to ensure that our staff are safe in the provision of care,” she said.
“The role of midwifery services in Cloncurry, Julia Creek and McKinlay is to enhance and enable patient experience and outcomes by supporting, collaborating and forming a partnership with the patient, their family and other health care providers.
“Appointments are conducted either at the community clinics or hospital within the defined geographical boundary and home visits for a defined group of women,” she said.
