We are calling on Caboolture Hospital and the Metro North Hospital and Health Service to urgently reconsider proposed changes to the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) program that are expected to reduce access by up to 60 women per year.

MGP provides continuity of midwifery care — meaning women are supported by a known midwife throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. Continuity of care is evidence-based and consistently associated with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, reduced intervention rates, increased breastfeeding success, and higher satisfaction with birth experiences.

At a time when demand for MGP already exceeds availability, reducing access by 60 places per year would significantly impact women and families in our community. For many, MGP is the difference between feeling safe, informed, and supported — and feeling lost in an overstretched system.

We have written to management expressing our concerns on behalf of the community but have not received a response. Transparency and accountability are essential when changes may directly affect women’s access to care.

Continuity of midwifery care is not a luxury — it is a best-practice model supported by national and international research.

We are asking Caboolture Hospital and Metro North to:

• Provide clear and transparent information regarding the proposed changes

• Confirm whether MGP places will be reduced

• Protect existing MGP capacity

• Prioritise continuity of care for women and families

We urge community members, families, health professionals, and supporters of safe, respectful maternity care to sign this petition and stand with us.

Every woman deserves access to continuity of care.