What's Happening?
The Tasmanian Government has unveiled a new midwifery strategy, titled 'Midwifery Matters,' aimed at supporting and growing the midwifery workforce from 2025 to 2030. This strategy is currently open for public consultation and seeks to enhance maternity care through the experiences and needs of Tasmanian women. Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, emphasized the critical role of midwives in providing high-quality maternity care. The strategy outlines 20 actions designed to strengthen and expand services, ensuring a responsive and sustainable maternity system. Public and internal consultation forums are scheduled until October 5, 2025, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback.
Why It's Important?
The release of the midwifery strategy is significant as it addresses the growing need for a robust maternity care system in Tasmania. By focusing on the experiences and priorities of women and families, the strategy aims to deliver respectful, safe, and person-centered care. This initiative is expected to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, ensuring continuity of care. Strengthening the midwifery workforce is crucial for maintaining high standards in maternity services, which can lead to better health outcomes and increased satisfaction among patients. The strategy also highlights the importance of workforce education and national policy alignment, which are essential for the long-term sustainability of maternity care services.
What's Next?
As the strategy enters the public consultation phase, stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and the general public, are encouraged to provide feedback. This input will be instrumental in refining the strategy to better meet the needs of Tasmanian women and families. The consultation process will involve online written feedback and forums, ensuring a comprehensive approach to gathering diverse perspectives. Once the consultation period concludes on October 5, 2025, the government will review the feedback and make necessary adjustments to the strategy. The finalized strategy will then guide the implementation of the outlined actions, aiming to enhance the midwifery workforce and maternity care services in Tasmania.
