Metro South Health, working alongside its community partners, is boosting maternity care for mums and newborn bubs in Logan.

This week we officially opened the Logan Maternity and Child Health Hub at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child & Family Centre (ATSICHS) in Waterford West.

It is one of three new maternity hubs offering community midwifery services, with the other hubs located at Access Gateway, Logan Central and the Browns Plains Early Years Centre.

Metro South Health Chief Executive, Dr Stephen Ayre, said the hubs are designed to meet the needs of women in the community who are currently not accessing health services.

“On average, pregnant women in Logan are not attending the recommended number of antenatal appointments, which is why these new community hubs are so important,” Dr Ayre said.

“We know that providing good care and support before and during pregnancy leads to better long term outcomes for babies and children—our future adults.

“There are a range of reasons why women are not accessing adequate antenatal care - including transport, cultural and social issues.

“The hub partners, location, midwives, right down to the artwork on the walls, have been carefully selected to help break down these barriers and create a welcoming place for mothers to access care.”

The community-based model of care was developed in consultation with many Logan representatives including consumers, community members, advocacy groups, unions and university.

“Thank you to everyone involved in the planning and running of the hubs, especially ATSICHS Brisbane, Access Community Services, The Benevolent Society,” Dr Ayre said.

The hubs are an extension of the existing midwifery group practice offered at Logan Hospital, providing continuity of care during and after pregnancy, with birthing taking place at Logan Hospital.

The opening event at was attended by representatives from all the community groups involved in the hubs, Aunty Robyn, Minister for Health Stephen Miles and MPs from the Logan area.

Find out more about the Logan Maternity and Child Health Hubs.