Midwifery Student Continuity of Care Experience

The Australian College of Midwives (2006) describes continuity of care as “… the ongoing midwifery relationship between the student and the woman from initial contact in early pregnancy, through to the weeks immediately after the woman has given birth, across the interface between community and hospital settings”.

JCU student involvement in Continuity of Care Experiences is a privilege and invaluable in the development of their understanding of care for women throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, after birth and at home. A registered midwife will supervise the student throughout this contact.

Your participation in the Continuity of Care Experience requires the student to be in regular contact with you throughout your pregnancy, including:

• Attending at least four antenatal appointments
• Being with you during your labour and birth (with your permission)
• Following you and your baby’s progress for six weeks after birth, attending at least two postnatal appointments.

Contact between you and the student may include telephone or email contact when physical meetings are not possible.

Discuss your willingness to participate in the Continuity of Care Experience with the important people in your life.

Discuss your involvement in the Continuity of Care Experience with your midwife and/or doctor.

Complete the sign-up form to submit your contact details to the JCU College of Healthcare Sciences. The student allocated to you will then make contact with you.

If you choose to consent to participate in the Continuity of Care Experience, you are under no obligation to continue if you find your circumstances change. If you withdraw, there will be no effect on your care.

JCU Midwifery are conducting early pregnancy education for newly pregnant women and their partners in the Townsville community.

This one-off session will provide you with information on a variety of health focussed topics related to your pregnancy. We will also provide up-to-date information on pregnancy options available in Townsville. You will have the opportunity to link with the JCU Midwifery Student Continuity of Care Program.

Information sessions are held on the third Tuesday of every month at 5.30pm-6.30pm in the Clinical Practice Building, Level 2 (upstairs from Otto’s), JCU Townsville, with easy parking (after 5pm) and bus stops.

Download brochure here.

To register your attendance at an Early Pregnancy Information Session, email chsclinicalservices@jcu.edu.au or phone 4781 3380.

To discuss the Continuity of Care Experience further, contact the Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Midwifery Course Coordinator:

Dr Marie McAuliffe
Nursing and Midwifery, College of Healthcare Sciences
James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4811

Phone: (07) 4781 5445
Email: marie.mcauliffe1@jcu.edu.au