RATES of birth trauma for babies born at Echuca Regional Health have fallen significantly following the introduction of its Enhanced Maternity Care Program.
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The program, which was established in late 2011, identifies socially and medically at risk pregnancies to provide early intervention for improved outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
A study by Melbourne University showed rates of birth trauma among the pregnancies identified as at risk fell from 21.9 per cent to 11.8 per cent after the program’s inception.
Overall, the rate of obstetric complications among EMCP babies fell from 17.1 per cent to 5.9 per cent.
About 25 per cent of births in EMCP are for indigenous babies.
In 2015, almost half of the babies born to EMCP clients were identified as being at risk for family violence.
In its submission to the Royal Commission into Family Violence, Echuca Regional Health said ECMP had resulted in “substantial benefits for pregnant women and their unborn children”.
Staff had observed a “reduction in both perceived and actual violence on ward”.
Victims of family violence and nursing staff reported decreased anxiety and increased support relevant to family violence.
Campaspe Shire, which encompasses Echuca, has the worst rate of family violence in Victoria.
Victoria Police data shows there were 4285 reported incidents of family violence for every 100,000 people in the shire in 2013-2014.
Individual counselling sessions are offered to EMCP clients affected by family violence when necessary.
The sessions provide information to clients about the cycle of family violence and help them to develop safety plans. When applicable, the safety planning involves the perpetrator of the violence.
After birth, the parenting skills and behaviour of clients and their partners are monitored and clients’ wellbeing assessed.
Clients which are identified as being at high risk are booked in to see ECMP co-ordinators two weeks after birth.
