Help shape new maternity services

The Queensland Centre for Mothers and Babies (QCMB) is offering free training and support to women who would like to represent local women and families in the development of new maternity services.

Professor Debra Creedy, QCMB director, said with the Queensland Government’s commitment to developing or expanding new midwifery maternity services in Queensland, local consumer representatives would be needed to represent the needs of local women and families.

“The role of consumers in the development of new maternity services is vital,” Professor Creedy said.

“It helps to ensure that the needs of women remain central to the way maternity services are delivered.

“We would like to make contact with Queensland women who would like to be involved in this project.

“The needs of each community are quite unique whether they are city, country or remote, and we think it is important that all women be included in this project.”

Rebecca Jenkinson, president of Maternity Coalition Queensland, said her organisation and Health Consumers Queensland were partnering with QCMB to offer a training program to women who would like to become consumer representatives.

“This is a very special project because the training is being developed by consumers, for consumers,” Ms Jenkinson said.

“It is very focussed on the importance of consumer representation and the ongoing support needs of consumer representatives.”

Ms Jenkinson said the first workshop would be held in Brisbane on June 30 and funding would be available to assist participants to attend the workshop, including reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs.

People interested in taking part in the workshop should email consumerconsultantali@gmail.com or phone 3346 3069 for more information.

The QCMB is an independent research centre based at The University of Queensland and funded by Queensland Health.

Media: Professor Debra Creedy (3346 3081 or 0407 555 105) or Rebecca Jenkinson (0439 765 633).