Inverell program focuses on better health for Aboriginal mums and babies

27 January 2009

New services for Aboriginal women are being launched in Inverell as part of the Aboriginal and Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS). 
Two new team members will join the Inverell District Health Service as part of the AMIHS, starting Monday 16 February: Midwife Heather Charlier and Aboriginal Health Education Officer Kara Talbot. 
Aboriginal and Maternal Infant Health Service workers provide community-based midwifery care during pregnancy and the early postnatal period. They also promote community development initiatives which encourage healthy lifestyles.
Aboriginal women (as well as women with an Aboriginal partner) can access AMIHS services, which will be provided via an outreach program to Delungra, Glen Innes and Ashford, as well as at Inverell.
McIntyre Cluster General Manager Lynne Shands said the AMIHS program is a very practical solution to improve the health of Aboriginal mums and their babies
“It’s a great service, where an Aboriginal Health Officer works in conjunction with a midwife and local GPs to bridge cultural gaps,” Ms Shands said.
“It’s having a positive impact in Aboriginal communities throughout the state, and we are pleased Inverell district community members will now have access to this important service.”
The Aboriginal and Maternal Infant Health Service is committed to improving the health of Aboriginal families and babies in NSW, by providing a high quality service that is culturally sensitive, woman-centred, based on primary health care principles, and provided in partnership with Aboriginal peoples.
AMIHS services were initially funded by the NSW Government to run across seven rural communities, providing community-based midwifery care in pregnancy and the early postnatal period. The AMIHS program has now expanded to more than 17 areas across NSW.
Since its implementation the AMIHS program has:
• Shown an increase in the number of Aboriginal women attending their first antenatal visit before 20 weeks by 14 per cent
• More women initiating breastfeeding and more still breastfeeding at six weeks after their baby was born
• Significantly reduced the number of babies born pre-term and birth weight had increased.

(HNE-1711)

Contact: Carisa Josephs

Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183