Media Release: ACT Greens release comprehensive plan to grow perinatal services in the region

Media Release

Friday 16 October 2020

Comprehensive plan for growing perinatal services.

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre welcomes the commitment of ACT Greens to increasing and expanding perinatal services available in the ACT.

Approximately 6000 babies are born in Canberra each year and the Greens want all parents and their families who choose to have children to have fulfilling and positive experiences as we know this achieves good outcomes for parents and children.

The announcement by the ACT Greens includes expanding existing Birth Centre capacity, as well as committing to mid-wife led evidence-based services where possible.

“The services announced by the ACT Greens will make a significant move towards more person-centred perinatal services.” responded Dr Yvonne Luxford, CEO of Perinatal Wellbeing Centre. “The commitment to implementing evidence-based service models including a strong focus on continuity of care programs would have a significant positive impact on the experience of families navigating perinatal care in the ACT.” said Dr Luxford.

“We also particularly welcome the commitment to additional perinatal mental health support for women with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”

The ACT Greens have outlined the importance of directly improving perinatal mental health and wellbeing for Canberran mothers and families, including increasing funding for Perinatal Wellbeing Centre to better meet the demand for services across the region, as well as extending the scope for service delivery. “We are particularly excited about the commitment not just to increase funding to the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, but also the outline for a scoping study for a true one stop shop for perinatal mental health services.” said Dr Luxford, “This is definitely a dream of ours that we would love to see come true! We are grateful that the Greens are proposing actions and investments, based on the outcomes of the Inquiry into Maternity Services, that will truly benefit Canberran families.”

Expecting and new parents are encouraged to call Perinatal Wellbeing Centre on 02 6288 1936 for advice and assistance.

Read the full statement from the ACT Greens here.

For further comment:

Yvonne Luxford: 0420537211

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