Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the Ipswich Midwifery Group was designed to support women classified as low risk who were aiming for a natural active birth. It has been so successful in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction that a decision has been made to focus on women from priority groups such as under 18 year olds and indigenous women, even if they do not meet the low risk criteria. The number of midwives in the practice has not risen to recognise the true demand for this service and consequently, the group practice is now no longer able to accept their traditional low risk clients. The practice provides continuity of care (a known midwife for all standard care) which has been proven to improve both patient satisfaction and patient outcomes. MGP care has been shown to reduce the need for birthing interventions such as analgesia, instrumental deliveries and episiotomy. It increases a women's feeling of control during labour and improves breastfeeding rates. It also costs less than standard care (on average $825 cheaper for the hospital). Longer term benefits to both families and to the health system budget occur as a result of optimal mother and baby health. In fact, all women would benefit from access to continuity of midwifery care.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to adequately staff the Ipswich Midwifery Group Practice so that all low risk women can continue to access continuity of midwifery care with all its health benefits to mothers and babies.