What are my choices for maternity services in rural Queensland?

It’s your choice who you would like to care for you during your pregnancy and after birth.

Depending on where you live in Queensland, you may choose to get care from:

• publicly funded midwives — in a midwifery group practice at a local hospital or a health centre
• privately practising midwives — some of your costs may be covered by Medicare
• a private obstetrician — at a public or a private hospital

Learn more about maternity care in Australia.

Midwifery continuity of care

Most public hospitals in Queensland offer continuity of care programs through midwives. This means the same midwife or team of midwives will care for you through your pregnancy and labour.

Getting continuity of care from your midwife has many benefits, such as:

• having a more positive birth experience
• having less interventions during labour
• being more likely to have a vaginal birth
• being more likely to be able to breastfeed your baby

You may prefer to have the same health professional throughout your pregnancy, birth and early parenting.

You will usually need a doctor’s referral to see a hospital-based midwife.

Where can I give birth in rural Queensland?

It’s your choice where you give birth. You may be able to choose whether to have your baby in hospital or at home.

In the public system you can choose to give birth:

• in a hospital — you can get pregnancy care from a midwife and doctors are also available if you or your baby need them
• in a birth centre — this is suitable if you don’t have any pregnancy complications
• at home — this may be an option if you don’t have any pregnancy complications

The public birth centres in Queensland are:

• Cairns Birth Centre
• Gold Coast Hospital Birth Centre
• Mackay Birth Centre
• Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
• Sunshine Coast University Hospital Birth Centre
• Toowoomba Base Hospital Birth Centre
• Townsville University Hospital Birth Centre

A map of Queensland’s rural and remote public hospitals and health services is available from Queensland Health.

The cost of care in a public hospital is usually covered by Medicare. Find out if you’re eligible for Medicare.

If you decide to use the private health care system, you can give birth:

• in a public hospital with a private obstetrician or GP obstetrician
• in a private hospital with a private obstetrician or GP obstetrician
• at home with a private obstetrician, GP obstetrician or a private midwife

If you choose private care, private health insurance can help cover some of the costs, if you have it. Some costs for eligible midwives are covered by Medicare.

You can talk about your options with your doctor or midwife.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

What support is there for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in rural Queensland?

Birthing on country in rural Queensland

Birthing on country is about giving Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander babies the best start in life. It includes supporting you in your transition to parenting through culturally appropriate care.

Ask your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker or midwife about programs in your area.

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) near you.

What if I need to travel long distances to give birth in rural Queensland?

The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) provides financial help to get specialist medical services.

It can include:

• use of private vehicles
• public transport — buses, trains and ferries
• air travel
• accommodation
• carer or escort — for people with limited mobility

If you need to travel a long distance to give birth, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. You will be advised to travel closer to your birthing hospital at 37 to 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Resources and support

Find out more about the Queensland Government Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

Find out more about parenting in regional and remote areas.

If you are unhappy about the care you get, you may want to learn about making a healthcare complaint.