Continuity critical in new model
E“We’re very fortunate to have recruited Dr Yum. Having her come on board as a colleague gives me confidence that we are well on the way to securing a sustainable service for the long term – a service where GP obstetricians can build their careers and relationships with patients and the community”
– Dr Megan Helper
ast Grampians Health Service’s obstetric service is undergoing change to ensure there is a future for people to receive antenatal care and birth in Ararat.
Obstetricians Dr Michael Connellan, Dr Pieter Pretorius and Dr Chee Sheng Wong have facilitated the maternity service for many years and, between them, have delivered more than 1000 babies. This has allowed families to have continuity of care and safe, lowrisk deliveries close to home.
Chief executive Nick Bush said this care had occurred through a Visiting Medical Officer, VMO, model, with the GPS undertaking a ‘significant’ amount of on-call work in addition to their general practice to be available for the women they are caring for when they deliver.
“The on-call component is a significant burden on the doctors and their families. I thank them for their commitment to the health service and the community,” Mr Bush said.
Dr Connellan, Dr Pretorius and Dr Wong have made the decision to take a step back from deliveries.
Dr Wong has now concluded this part of his practice.
Dr Connellan and Dr Pretorius will continue to support the service during its transition to a new model by providing some cover.
Mr Bush said while the GPS would continue to make an ‘invaluable’ contribution to the provision of continuity of care for families in Ararat – including for women in the antenatal and postnatal period – the loss of experienced clinicians from the obstetric service presented a significant challenge.
He said the challenge was not uncommon to many small rural birthing services across Australia.
Mr Bush said the health service would take a proactive approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability of birthing services and had developed a new GP obstetric care model.
In a departure from the VMO model, the health service will directly employ three GP obstetricians who will provide services on a rotating roster. This approach will be team-based, with each GP obstetrician on-call for all deliveries that occur while they are on duty for a block of two weeks.
Dr Megan Helper completed her GP training and consolidation in GP obstetrics in Ararat in 2016-17 and returned 18 months ago to fill gaps in the obstetric roster.
Across the past nine months, she has taken an interest in developing the new GP obstetric model. She will continue as one of the three clinicians participating in this model.
The recruitment of a second GP obstetrician into the new model, Dr Winnie Yum, who commenced at the health service last month, is an important step forward.
Dr Yum completed her obstetric training in Mount Isa with further consolidation in Alice Springs and Tasmania.
“We’re very fortunate to have recruited Dr Yum. Having her come on board as a colleague gives me confidence that we are well on the way to securing a sustainable service for the long term – a service where GP obstetricians can build their careers and relationships with patients and the community,” Dr Helper said.
“We continue the hunt for an additional GPO keen to join the team.”
Mr Bush said the direct employment of GP obstetricians would also facilitate the provision of expanded services – including the addition of a GP obstetric antenatal clinic commencing this month.
He said care through this clinic would be provided in conjunction with the existing midwifery antenatal clinics.
“This service will enhance the collaboration between the midwives and the GP obstetricians, who will be working together to meet the needs of pregnant women, providing safe and quality care,” Mr Bush said.
He said patients should have their initial pregnancy care and obtain a referral from their GP before ringing to book an appointment with the midwife and GP obstetrician at the health service. Shared care with other GPS will also be supported.
Mr Bush said there would continue to be a strong connection between the health service and Ararat Medical Centre, underpinned by both organisations’ ‘fundamental belief’ in the ‘importance of the continuity of care’ offered by GP obstetrics.
Dr Connellan, Dr Pretorius, and Dr Wong will continue to be available for shared care through the medical centre.
After obtaining a GP referral, antenatal clinic bookings at the health service can be made by speaking to a ward clerk on 5352 9321.