Westmead Hospital runs a midwifery antenatal shared care program. This program is based on evidence illustrating the benefits to both mother and baby of continuity of care. Antenatal Shared Care programs are available to women with low-risk pregnancies. The program gives you the choice of having all of your antenatal care provided by a Private Practising Midwife.
Do you wish to make use of the Westmead Hospital Antenatal Shared Care Program? You will need to attend a booking visit at the hospital antenatal clinic. The rest of your visits are with your private practice midwife. You can book directly with your midwife. Alternatively, the hospital midwives may refer you if you are eligible to the privately practising midwife Antenatal Shared Care program.
Jane Palmer is accredited with Westmead Hospital to provide antenatal shared care. Jane can provide your antenatal care at her clinic at North Parramatta. If any issues arise during your pregnancy, Jane will refer you to the doctors at Westmead Hospital. As part of the shared care program, Jane will not be able to attend you in labour. The midwives (and doctors if needed) at Westmead Hospital will provide your birthing care.
If you need further assistance following your birth Jane can provide postnatal care after you have been discharged from Westmead Hospital’s care. Ideal you need a midwife to see you and your baby for postnatal checks and breastfeeding support.
REASONS TO CHOOSE ANTENATAL SHARED CARE WITH YOUR MIDWIFE
Your midwife knows you and your family and can often provide more personalised and comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care for you and your baby. Seeing your midwife can mean more flexibility with appointments and many women also prefer the continuity of care that a midwife can provide.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF I CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
Ask your midwife at Westmead Hospital’s booking-in clinic for a referral to the Privately Practising Midwife Antenatal Shared Care program. Your suitability for Antenatal Shared Care will be assessed during your booking visit. Influencing factors include any pre-existing diseases, your previous obstetric history and other personal factors.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY MIDWIFE IS ACCREDITED?
You can simply ask your midwife if they are accredited with the Antenatal Shared Care program.
Other options available for Antenatal Care include:
- Attending the antenatal clinic at Westmead Hospital
- Seeing Westmead Hospital midwives at locations outside of Westmead Hospital
- Employing the services of a private obstetrician.
- Seeing a Shared Care GP
EXAMPLE OF VISIT SCHEDULE WITH ANTENATAL SHARED CARE MIDWIVES
| Week 12 | Midwife | First antenatal visit |
| Weeks 12-15 | Hospital | Booking-in visit with midwife |
| Week 18 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 20 | Ultrasound | |
| Weeks 24-26 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 28 | Midwife or Hospital |
Routine check |
| Week 31 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 34 | Midwife or Hospital |
Routine check |
| Week 36 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 38 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 39 | Midwife | Extra routine check for first-time mothers |
| Weeks 40-41 | Midwife | Routine check |
| Week 41 | Midwife | Post dates assessment |
| Birth to 6 weeks |
Midwife | Postnatal check |
| 6 – 7 weeks | Midwife | Mother and baby check |
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MIDWIFERY SHARED CARE
You can either call to find out more details about seeing Jane Palmer for midwifery shared care 1300 MIDWYF (1300 649 993) or make an appointment (see form below). You can also see Westmead Hospital’s Website or call the Westmead Hospital Antenatal Clinic 02 8890 6508.
Costs to see Jane Palmer for Midwifery Shared Care
Antenatal Visits
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| Description | Length of visit | Cost of Visit | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket | Safety Net Payment* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booking visit | 60 minutes | $135 | $45.40 | $89.60 | $21.40 |
| Short Antenatal | 20 minutes | $50.00 | $27.50 | $22.50 | $16.10 |
| Long Antenatal | 40 minutes | $85.00 | $45.40 | $39.60 | $21.40 |
| Extra Long Antenatal | 60 minutes | $135.00 | $45.40 | $89.60 | $21.40 |
| Maternity Care Plan | 90 minutes | $289.00 | $271.15 | $17.85 | $53.45 |
Postnatal Visits
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| Description | Length of visit | Cost of Visit | Medicare Rebate | Out of Pocket | Safety Net Payment* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Postnatal | 20 minutes | $75.00 | $45.40 | $29.60 | $16.10 |
| Long Postnatal | 40 minutes | $95.00 | $66.75 | $28.25 | $21.40 |
| Extra Long Postnatal | 60 minutes | $110.00 | $66.75 | $43.25 | $21.40 |
| Postnatal Home Visit | 60 minutes | $140.00 | $66.75 | $73.25 | $21.40 |
| Six Week Visit | 60 minutes | $100.00 | $45.40 | $54.60 | $16.10 |
* Safety Net Payment – additional rebate for Australian families and singles who incur out-of-pocket costs for Medicare eligible out-of-hospital services. You may be eligible to receive this payment in addition to the standard Medicare rebate for midwifery services once you reached the annual threshold of out-of-pocket expenses. To find out more visit Medicare’s website.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
If you would like to book an appointment with Jane please fill in the form below or phone 1300 MIDWYF. Please indicate your preferred day, time and reason for your appointment. Your appointment is not confirmed until you receive either a phone call or email