A PUBLICLY-FUNDED home birthing program piloted at the Sunshine Hospital has been expanded.
Last week the Minister for Health David Davis said a review of the program, which was also trialled at Casey Hospital, has supported its continuation.
“This will mean women can choose to have a home birth while under the care of a public hospital,” Mr Davis said.
“This will include clinical support and expert advice so women giving birth may feel more comfortable in their choice to give birth in the home.
“The Department of Health is developing guidelines to assist other hospitals considering establishing public homebirth services, which will increase the range of options available to Victorian women,” he said.
“Federal health reforms have enabled appropriately qualified and registered midwives to seek ‘admitting rights’ to provide private midwifery services to women in public hospitals.”
