Canberra trial gives midwives power to prescribe and admit patients
Six Canberra Health Services midwives can now prescribe medications, order tests, and admit patients to hospital.
A 12-month trial has launched in Canberra giving six midwives extra qualifications to work at their full scope. The six endorsed midwives have completed a six-month course and can now prescribe medications, order and interpret tests, and admit patients to hospital.
The goal is simpler care for pregnant women: fewer appointments, fewer different practitioners to see, less time waiting. Most pregnant women juggle work and existing families, so streamlined care means less stress.
Midwives say feedback from women shows they want to see the same person throughout, not shuffle between different specialists. The ACT is late to the endorsed midwife model, which private practices and other states have used for years.
Some Canberra midwives have held these qualifications for years but couldn't use them until now. The trial will be evaluated to shape the future of maternity services.
- 6
- Endorsed midwives
- 12 months
- Trial duration
- 6 months
- Training course length
- North Canberra Hospital
- Location
Why it mattersFewer appointments and one trusted midwife means pregnant women spend less time in the health system and feel better supported.
AustraliaCanberra women will have faster, simpler maternity care through this ACT pilot if the model proves successful.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 d ago
