Continuity of care from Griffith University midwifery students
Under direct supervision from Griffith University Practice Lecturers, students provide antenatal and postnatal midwifery care to women they are following through their childbearing journey. Griffith University Practice Lecturers are midwives who have extensive experience providing all aspects of maternity care. There will be collaboration between Griffith University Student-Led Midwifery Clinic and Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) during your pregnancy. Should complexities arise, there will be collaboration and referral with your consent to the Obstetric Clinic or Maternity Assessment Centre at GCUH. Any woman planning to birth at Gold Coast University Hospital and has a Medicare Card can access this service for free.
* In the wake of the ongoing Coronavirus situation, patient and practitioner safety and support remain our highest priority. If you have been feeling unwell or have been diagnosed with Coronavirus, we encourage you to re-book your appointment after clearance from a medical professional.
Contact us
Address: Level 4, Ian O'Connor building (G40), Gold Coast, Cnr Parklands Drive and Olsen Avenue, Southport QLD 4215
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (AEST)
Continuity of Midwifery Care
Individualised Extended Appointments
Collaboration with Gold Coast University Hospital
Midwifery students are studying a three-year Bachelor of Midwifery program at Griffith University to gain the knowledge and skills to be able to register as a midwife in Australia. They work under the direct supervision of a registered midwife. As part of their studies, they need to gain an understanding of pregnancy and becoming a new mother from a woman’s perspective. This is best achieved by sharing some of the experiences a woman has during her pregnancy through to the early weeks after she has given birth. These students will be supported by Experience Griffith University Practice Lecturers who have extensive experience providing care across the childbearing continuum.
- All women who have Medicare and are birthing at Gold Coast University Hospital can access care through the student-led Midwifery clinic.
- Routine Care – You can have all your pregnancy care and postnatal appointments at the student-led Midwifery clinic.
- Complex care – If you are experiencing complexities in your pregnancy, the midwife will follow consultation and referral guidelines and engage with medical staff. You can still have some midwifery appointments in the student-led Midwifery clinic to complement your medical care.
- Ordering and review of relevant blood tests and ultrasounds during your pregnancy
- Extensive information provided around pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding/infant feeding, postnatal recovery and normal newborn behaviour.
- Long appointments to ensure holistic assessment and care during your pregnancy.
With your consent, the Midwifery student will:
- Attend all of your appointments at the Griffith Student-Led Midwifery clinic.
- Support with you during your pregnancy.
- Be with you during the labour and birth of your baby.
- Attend a number of visits with you after your baby is born.
The benefits of this relationship include:
- You and the midwifery student will get to know each other through your journey.
- The midwifery student will be able to offer you extra support.
- You will provide invaluable experience for the student to hear your thoughts and feelings and share your experience.
- Share experience of the first few weeks with a new baby.
- Help the midwifery students learn how to work in partnership with women.
- Women highly value this connection with the midwifery student, particularly the relationship formed, care provided, and respect shown.
Any woman planning to birth at Gold Coast University Hospital and has a Medicare Card can access this service for free. No referral is required. For women without a Medicare Card, we offer antenatal and postnatal appointments ranging from $30-$100. For women not birthing at Gold Coast University Hospital we can still provide antenatal and postnatal services with a GP referral.
Getting there
Level 4, Ian O'Connor building (G40), Gold Coast, Cnr Parklands Drive and Olsen Avenue, Southport QLD 4215
Public transport
The Griffith Health Clinics are located within a short walking distance from the Gold Coast University Hospital G:Link stop. The service runs from Helensvale to Broadbeach South and is a reliable and convenient transport option.
Please visit G-Link for all stop locations, tickets and timetables.
Parking
There is limited casual parking available on campus—please allow plenty of time before your appointment to find parking. Where possible, we encourage you to consider alternative transport options or park in the Gold Coast Hospital Parking (see below). If you have any special parking requirements, please discuss this when you make your booking.
Paid parking at the Gold Coast University Hospital
The Gold Coast University Hospital is located directly across from the Griffith Health Clinics and has ample paid parking available. The 24-hour commercial multi-storey parking facility is a convenient option for those travelling to our Clinics.
Please visit Gold Coast University Hospital Secure parking.