If you have ideas how to improve access to local pregnancy care services, South Western Sydney Public Health Network (SWSPHN) wants to hear from you.
Community, healthcare professionals and service providers are invited to local health forums on what our region is doing well, and how we can do better when it comes to pregnancy care.
The forums will be held in August and September at venues in Campbelltown, Bowral, and Bankstown.
While comprehensive and early antenatal care can have a positive effect on health outcomes for mothers and babies, just 60.4 per cent of women (8,191 of 13,565 women) who gave birth in South Western Sydney in 2022 received antenatal care at least once during their first trimester, compared with the national average of 78 per cent.
In Bankstown, significantly fewer, 40.5 per cent, pregnant women accessed antenatal care during their first trimester.
The forums will help SWSPHN to better understand the experiences in pregnancy and birthing care, identify any barriers and enablers to accessing care, and explore the strengths and gaps in how primary and public health systems coordinate pregnancy care
SWSPHN chief executive officer Keith McDonald says local health forums provide an opportunity to engage and collaborate with others in the community who are committed to improving health outcomes.
“Your contribution will make a difference,” he said.
“You’ll be helping SWSPHN to create a clear picture of what pregnancy care services are available locally and how they can be improved, and to identify services gaps and priorities for the future. This allows us to strategically plan for our region’s future healthcare needs.”
The Campbelltown forum will be held on Thursday, August 28, 6.30pm for 7pm start, to 9pm, at Rydges.
Visit the SWSPHN website to attend the forums in Bowral (August 21) or Bankstown (September 4) – https://swsphn.com.au/