As mentioned in our March 2024 Noosa 360 update, having a baby at home in the second half of 2024 will be a funded option for women who live within 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCHHS). Following feedback from residents, we requested a map to be prepared to capture the radius of eligible areas for greater clarity. The following is an update regarding from the Queensland Minister for Health:
A map cannot be prepared due to the fact that the public will not be able to easily work out if they’re eligible or not on their own as the 30 minute timeframe is only a small part of the overall picture of eligibility which is determined by the midwife. Thus, 30 min travel time isn’t for the patient to determine, it will be determined by the midwife after other eligibility requirements are satisfied.
Please see FAQs on Sunshine Coast publicly funded home birth information | Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.
Women who would like to be considered can express their interest for a homebirth by sending an email to sc-mgp@health.qld.gov.au and / or ask their GP to include homebirth interest with their referral to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH). Their treating midwife will then determine the eligibility based on a number of factors (including safe drive time within 30 mins) and advise the mother.
In relation to the expansion of the service to more areas including more coverage of the Noosa State Electorate, the below update has also been provided:
SCHHS have advised that the confirmed geographic catchment areas for the Sunshine Coast region are still under review by the Home Birth Service Steering Committee. They’ve not provided a timeframe for finalisation/publication of the initial catchment area. Once service delivery is established, they will be continuously evaluating the home birth service with reporting periods set for 6, 12, 24 months post service establishment which is estimated from mid-2024. Potential expansion of the catchment area will be considered as the service matures.
Sandy will continue to follow up on the future expansion of the program. Once new information has been received, we will update to Noosa 360.
Further Information
More information on the program is available at www.sunshinecoast.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/homebirths-for-sunshine-coast-mothers
Direct advocacy regarding this can be directed to the Minister for Health via health@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.
For our previous Noosa 360 regarding funded home birthing, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=home+birthing
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