Understanding the rural maternity workforce in South Australia

This report presents for the consideration of the Country Health South Australia (CHSA) Local Health Network, the findings of the South Australia (SA) Rural Maternity Workforce Review conducted by a multidisciplinary team led by Associate Professor Ruth Stewart (James Cook University) together with Ms Gail Abernethy (James Cook University) and Dr Jennifer Ayton (University of Tasmania).

This review sought to better understand the needs of the rural maternity services workforce of SA. It presents the aggregation of qualitative data collected from January-February 2019 inclusively. Key findings and recommendations address (1) structural challenges to sustainability, (2) workforce issues and priorities, and (3) training opportunities. Rural maternity service sites visited included rural hospitals that delivered maternity services (antenatal, postnatal, or birthing services) and general practice clinics.