Have your say: Improve maternity services in the Illawarra Shoalhaven

You are invited to the final consultation of our series to Have Your Say: Improve birth and maternity services in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
As a clinician, this is your chance to influence the maternity services you work within that support women and families. 

📅 Date: Tuesday, 8th April
🕤 Time: 2 PM – 4 PM
📍 Location: Conference Room 2 Level 8 Wollongong Hospital

We have already heard from consumers and ISHLD management, now its time to hear directly from you - the people who support women and birthing people directly. 

Join our clinician only consultation where you’ll be supported by facilitators to share your experiences, ideas, and suggestions to improve maternity services in the Illawarra Shoalhaven. 

Hosted by Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Cooperative and Better Births Illawarra, in partnership with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District - this will be action focused to create ways to improve and change current maternity services.  

What to Expect:

• An update on what is currently happening in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven to improve maternity services.
• Small group discussions led by friendly  facilitators.
• A supportive space to share your thoughts on what could be better, or new to support women in pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
• Your input will directly help the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District design maternity services that meet the needs of our community and potentially the broader area of NSW.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is it just for clinicians? Yes, we have specifically carved out a space for clinicians to contribute to this critical discussion. There will be no management in the room.
• Is it confidential? Yes, all conversations whilst recorded will be anonymised/de-identified in the report
• What will happen with all the consultation feedback? An independant consultant will analyse the raw data and produce a report with key recommendations. This will be shared with the ISHLD Management, community and more broadly with policy and practice designers including but not limited to NSW Health, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park
• Can children come? Babes in arms are welcome. Small children must be supervised so please bring a grandparent, friend etc, there’s plenty of space for prams.
• Breastfeeding-friendly? Absolutely! Feed or pump comfortably, with a space set aside 
• What if I don't know exactly what needs to improve? That is fine, friendly facilitators will help participants in any way you need.
• What to bring? Just your ideas and suggestions!
• Food? We will provide afternoon tea.

Your voice as clinician matters! Help shape maternity care that truly meets the needs of women and birthing parents now and into the future.

👉 Reserve your spot now and join the conversation!

Hosted by Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Cooperation and Better Births Illawarra and the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District.