Released 10/05/2019
The whole nine months, a new preterm birth prevention initiative, will work to lower the number of babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks) in the ACT.
Canberra Health Services has developed the project in partnership with the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance, which includes clinical leaders, health departments and communities from around the country.
In the ACT, the initiative has been generously supported by the Liangis family to employ a midwife and to set up a preterm birth prevention clinic to support women identified as at risk of giving birth prematurely.
The clinic is now open for bookings. Women who have been referred by their GP to the clinic can make an appointment by calling Canberra Hospital’s Fetal Medicine Unit on (02) 5124 7461.
Other key components of the whole nine months project include new clinical guidelines, an outreach program for health care practitioners and a public health program for women and their families.
Canberra Health Services’ Clinical Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Boon Lim, said the initiative was vital as preterm birth was the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide.
He said 7 per cent of births at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children in 2018 were pre-term.
“Preterm birth can carry major risks for both the child and the mother,” Associate Professor Lim said.
“While most children born early may go on to lead a normal and productive life, unfortunately many will be left with life-long disability.
“We’re proud to be a part of this initiative to safely and effectively lower the rate of preterm birth, save lives and prevent lifelong disability.”
The National Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance and the ACT initiative build on a Western Australian research program which has significantly reduced the rate of preterm birth across that state since its launch in 2014.
- Statement ends -
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