The study ‘Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes and Health System Costs in Standard Public Maternity Care Compared to Private Obstetric-Led Care: A Population-Level Matched Cohort Study’ by Professor Emily Callander and colleagues adds to the growing body of evidence on maternity care models in Australia.
While the findings contribute interesting data about cost and outcomes, comparing one model of care against another risks oversimplifying the highly complex challenges facing maternity services and detracts from the broader goal of ensuring access to high-quality care and choice for all women.
What remains of utmost importance is maintaining equitable access to services and preserving women’s ability and autonomy to choose a care model that aligns with their needs, and preferences. To accomplish this, the interdependent relationship between Australia’s public and private maternity systems must be acknowledged, respected, and maintained through adequate and sustainable funding and policy reform, for both.
Maternity care is most effectively delivered through multidisciplinary collaboration. RANZCOG continues to endorse multidisciplinary continuity-of-care (CoC) delivered by fellows, members and trainees working within these teams, and urges the federal government to support an increased capacity for multidisciplinary CoC in the public system, while also urgently addressing the barriers limiting the viability of private maternity services.
Australia’s public maternity system – whilst under strain – continues to be one of the safest in the world, thanks to the dedication and expertise of its highly trained workforce. The College remains committed to working with governments and stakeholders to ensure both public and private maternity services are supported, and equipped to provide high-quality, equitable care to all women across Australia.
Media enquiries
Bec McPhee
Head of Advocacy & Communications
bmcphee@ranzcog.edu.au
+61 413 258 166
