Models of care

GP Obstetrician

A GP Obstetrician is a GP with further training through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). They are qualified to look after you during pregnancy, birth and afterwards.

This can give you the best of both worlds. Your GP Obstetrician takes care of any other medical concerns during your pregnancy, and can keep caring for you and your growing family into the future.

There are GP Obstetricians at several practices in Bathurst, and some take part in the Bathurst Hospital maternity roster. Discuss this with your GP, or check the practice website for more information.

GP and midwife shared care

If your GP does not have additional DRANZCOG qualifications, they may still be happy to look after your pregnancy in a shared care model. This means some appointments are with your GP and others with a midwife or obstetrician.

In a shared care model, it is ideal to link in with a midwife around 12 to 14 weeks, so that any complications that may need obstetrician input are picked up early.

Your booking-in appointment is a longer first visit, often an hour or more. Your midwife uses it to build a full picture of your health and circumstances, your medications, past pregnancies and births, mental health and the supports around you, so your care can be tailored to you.

Midwife

Midwives provide care throughout pregnancy, birth and the early weeks at home. See Visit a midwife for more about how to access a midwife during your pregnancy journey.

Obstetrician

Bathurst does not have its own private obstetricians at this time. The closest private obstetric care is in Orange, and your GP can refer you there if you choose this model of care.

Bathurst Hospital has three permanent Obstetrician Gynaecologists (O&Gs) and several locum doctors covering public hospital obstetric care. A senior O&G covers the maternity ward at all times, supported by GP Obstetricians and obstetric registrars.

The hospital O&Gs also run the Specialist Obstetric Clinic for women whose pregnancy is complicated.

Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist

Some women have complications in their pregnancy that need referral to a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist at a tertiary hospital. This is usually Nepean Hospital in Sydney, and sometimes the MFM specialists visit Orange.

The MFM specialist shares your care with the doctors at the Specialist Obstetric Clinic at Bathurst Hospital. Midwives can also be involved in your pregnancy care if you choose.