Expressions of interest are now open to join the ACT Government’s Maternity in Focus Advisory Group and Perinatal Mental Health Reference Group. These new groups will provide insights and advice into the continued improvement of maternity services across the ACT public health system.
The groups will play a key role in helping to deliver the actions from the Maternity in Focus: First Action Plan 2022-2025.
An Expression of Interest process will be open until 18 August for the Maternity in Focus Advisory Group and the Perinatal Mental Health Reference Group.
Members will need to take part in meeting discussions and community consultations actively and constructively, while maintaining links with the community.
Members of the advisory group will be appointed for 12 months.
For more information and to apply, visit: yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/maternity-focus
Health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is committed to creating a person and baby-centred maternity care system.
“With an increasing number of women and pregnant people accessing public maternity services, it is important we have a health system that can respond to the growing and changing needs of our community.
“Being pregnant and giving birth can be one of the most emotional and overwhelming times in someone’s life, and we know each experience is personal and unique. People sharing their experiences and personal journeys provides valuable insights into what we can change, improve, or introduce into our services.
“The Early Pregnancy Unit at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children is a great example of what can be created with input from people with lived experience. This unit is a direct result of listening to consumers, carers, and clinicians. Their input was invaluable in ensuring the design of this new unit meets the needs of women and pregnant people receiving care.
“The ACT Government will continue to work with consumers, key stakeholders, academics, and health professionals to create an inclusive and accessible public maternity system.”
Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Mental Health, also encouraged Canberrans with a lived experience of perinatal mental health to share their experience and so improve maternity and perinatal mental health services.
“It is essential that the ACT has a range of perinatal mental health services that work collaboratively with maternity and community services, and that these services are informed by Canberrans with lived experience,” Ms Davidson said.
“If you have recent experience in our public maternity system or perinatal mental health services and have a strong desire to see the best maternity and perinatal care, then we would love to hear from you.”
Lauren Anthes, CEO of Women’s Health Matters, said: “We are pleased to see that ACT Health is looking to incorporate the voices of people with lived experience in its Maternity in Focus Advisory Group.
“It is vital that funders and service providers ensure that these voices are represented at the governance level across the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation stages.
“This will contribute to ensuring that maternity services in Canberra meet the needs of the community and result in improved health outcomes and experiences.”
