MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
From:
Adrian Bernecich, Media Officer, Mercy Health
Date:
Friday 22 August
Verity is truly thankful for Mercy Hospital for Women’s new model of care
Verity Bristow is possibly the envy of mothers around the world after experiencing one of the
smoothest births under Mercy Hospital for Women’s new model of care. The new mother was one of
the first to be cared for and give birth through the Maternity Group Practice (MGP) model within the
hospital’s Family Birth Centre.
MGP allows mothers experiencing uncomplicated pregnancies to be cared for by the same midwife
throughout the term of their pregnancy in a homelike environment. The Mercy Hospital for Women
program officially started in February this year, but expectant mothers began meeting their midwives
last November.
Ms Bristow gave birth to son Bryn at 3am on Tuesday 15 July. And as a result of the problem-free
birth and a clean bill of health for both mother and baby, they were able to return home not long after.
The 33-year-old from Eltham had her first consultation at the hospital in January meeting Clinical
Midwife Specialist Robyn Smith who would be with Ms Bristow every step of the way.
“It was really amazing, the continuity of care was great,’’ Ms Bristow said. “You get to know the staff
really well and you develop a level of trust so it really does become less stressful.”
“Robyn was great, I’m pretty sure I would have been a lot more stressed in any other situation.”
Ms Bristow said she felt extremely lucky to have had such a smooth birth, with no excessive pain and
only dealing with very minor setbacks during the pregnancy. She said she was proud to be one of the
first mothers to go through the program and highly recommended others consider it.
“I really liked the fact that it was low intervention and provided an intimate homelike environment,’’ she
said. “It was so different to a typical hospital-type setting.”
Ms Smith said the new model of care aimed to reduce a mother’s stress levels, which would hopefully
reduce complications. The midwife said she had developed a strong relationship with Ms Bristow who
she visited for two weeks after the birth as part of the MGP program.
“It’s well documented that if you have a known carer you are more likely to have a better experience
and so you feel safer,’’ Ms Smith said. “The model of care is great because when you get to know
what the mother wants and needs you are better able to provide the best possible care.”
For more information go to mercyhealth.com.au.
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