Dhelkaya Health (Castlemaine) - A new maternity model of care

Dhelkaya Health’s (Castlemaine) new maternity care model has been evaluated by La Trobe University with three areas of focus. Join us to hear more about the journey and the recommendations made.

Dhelkaya Health (Castlemaine) offers low risk pregnant women access to local maternity care in a rural setting. In May 2021, our maternity service re-commenced under a new continuity of care model following a 12-month suspension of the service. We are proud of this achievement because it is a common occurrence for small services to close their maternity services.

Twelve months after the re-instatement of Dhelkaya Health’s maternity service, La Trobe University was engaged to undertake an evaluation of the new model of care. The evaluation was conducted with three areas of focus:

1. an exploration of key stakeholder views
2. an exploration of maternity consumers views
3. an audit of clinical outcomes.

From these three areas 18 recommendations were made. Join us to hear more about our journey and the recommendations made by the evaluation. 

Speakers

• Dr Veronica Moule – General Practice Obstetrician and medical lead
• Anna Leena Percival – Midwifery Manager Bendigo Health Women’s Clinic’s and maternity lead
• April Jardine – Maternity Coordinator and Educator Dhelkaya Health
• Melodie Heland – Executive Director Clinical & Aged Care Services Dhelkaya Health

For more information, please contact maternityandnewbornlhn@safercare.vic.gov.au.