Women and families in the Snowy Monaro region are set to benefit from improved access to midwifery continuity of care, with the launch of a Midwifery Group Practice model at Cooma Hospital.
Under the model, women will receive continuity of care from a known primary midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth, and up to two weeks after birth. A dedicated small team of midwives will work alongside local GPs and obstetricians to provide individualised maternity care.
“Continuity of care with a known midwife leads to better outcomes for women and babies. We’re proud to offer individualised, evidence-based care that supports women through one of life’s most important journeys,” said SNSWLHD Chief Executive, Margaret Bennett.
“This approach also supports our midwives to work to their full scope of practice and ensure safe, coordinated care for every family.”
The dedicated four-midwife Cooma MGP team began accepting referrals in late 2025 and is already caring for mums and families. Appointments are available at clinics in Cooma, Bombala and Jindabyne, or in the woman’s home.
“Continuity of care models are evidence-based. Women who know their midwife report feeling safer, more informed, and more supported. This relationship improves trust and communication, which is critical during labour and birth,” said Registered Midwife with the Cooma Midwifery Group Practice, Olivia Jordan.
“I’m passionate about helping women feel supported and confident, and this model is all about teamwork. We’re there for women from the first pregnancy care visit right through to two weeks after birth.”
The Midwifery Group Practice model is part of the State Government’s commitment to increasing access to midwifery continuity of care models across the state, which was supported by a $44.8 million investment in the 2025-28 NSW Budget.
“The establishment of the Cooma Midwifery Group Practice is the latest in a broader expansion of midwifery continuity of care services across NSW,” said Health Minister, Ryan Park.
“We are strengthening midwifery services across the state, to ensure women can access high quality care closer to home.
“The newly established care model will give families more choice, and will provide expecting and new mothers with world-class, evidence-based care.”
For more information, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/snswlhd/our-services/pregnancy-birth-and-baby.
