
The hours of Yass Midwifery Outreach Service has doubled for a 12-month trial period.
Jasmin Jones, member of new Yass Hospital maternity working group, is "extremely pleased" at the development.
"Yass Valley women now have what they deserve in terms of antenatal and postnatal care. It's taken more time to conceive, carry and deliver the baby to get these results. But nevertheless, it's a much needed step in the right direction," she said.
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"Previously, the part-time position cared for 121 mums and their bubs on their visit in 2017-18. It showed an incredible 796 occasions of care by part-time midwife which seems to be working beyond the scope of her position.
"We have been calling for this position to be upgraded since 2012. Eight years later, the community is finally getting what it deserves in terms of antenatal and postnatal care which is going to get fantastic outcomes for women who will be connected with and won't have to drive down the Barton and Hume Highway."
She had travelled to Sydney and met with key health officials last year while other members joined online. In the meeting, discussions on upgrading midwifery service along with a full review of maternity services took place.
Meanwhile, Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman feels that the extended hours means more support for young mothers and families in Yass and the surrounding region.
"I am delighted with the announcement, a result of the SNSWLHD's community consultation. Particularly so on behalf of the surrounding communities who I have stood beside to lobby for this service extension," she said.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the result - particularly for the smaller villages who have raised their concerns with me regarding this service.
"After raising these concerns with the Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, and organising a group of concerned constituents to meet with the Minister, the Minister asked the Department to complete a detailed investigation of midwifery service delivery as part of the Yass Maternity Clinical Services Plan.
"The NSW Government has now released a report as part of the review and that spells out exactly how the midwifery service works with a district-wide approach to maternity services."
As part of the NSW Liberals & Nationals extensive health investment, Southern NSW Local Health District has allocated $8 million for Yass Hospital Redevelopment, $150 million for the Goulburn Health Service and $2.5 million worth of works for Crookwell District Hospital.
The NSW and Liberals & Nationals Government have completed more than 100 new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities, including more than 60 in regional NSW, with another 100 projects underway.