Role of general practitioners in primary maternity care in South Australia and Victoria

Abstract

Background: Recent policy debates about the challenges facing maternity services in Australia provide an opportunity to reflect on current care practices. Aims: To identify the provision of primary maternity care models in two Australian states: South Australia (SA) and Victoria. Methods: All public and private hospitals with maternity facilities in SA and Victoria were mailed a survey requesting information about the organisation and provision of maternity care. Results: All hospitals in SA (35) and 99% (75/76) in Victoria completed the survey. Among public hospitals, approximately 50% (14/30 in SA and 29/56 in Victoria) reported primary care arrangements where all antenatal care is provide..