Northside Birth Centre Feasibility Study Released
The ACT Government has today released a feasibility study examining options for the delivery of a new birth centre on Canberra’s northside.
This work is being undertaken as part of developing the new more than $1 billion northside hospital.
The ACT Health Directorate commissioned a detailed study to assess the feasibility of establishing a co-designed standalone birth centre on the northside hospital campus and/or a freestanding birth centre in the community.
Conducted by HealthConsult, with input from a working group of subject-matter experts, the study considered stakeholder feedback and data on birth trends in the ACT, as well as current evidence on birth centre models.
The study has recommended a standalone birth centre adjacent to the new northside hospital as the preferred model, offering a home-like environment for low-risk pregnancies while ensuring safe access to hospital facilities when required.
The Northside Birth Centre Feasibility Study 2024 can be found here: ACT Birth Centre Feasibility Study report – Open Government Information.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is committed to ensuring high-quality maternity services that provide choice and meet the needs of women and pregnant people and their families.
“This study reinforces the benefits of birth centres in delivering positive birthing outcomes with lower medical intervention rates,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“This project presents a unique opportunity to expand midwifery-led care and support culturally safe birthing practices, including Birthing with Country initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
“The recommended model would provide the home-like setting that many expectant parents and midwives have advocated for, while also enabling quick, safe and dignified access to the new hospital if required.
“A standalone birth centre will be a valuable addition to public maternity care in the ACT, offering a low-intervention and midwife-led environment.”
The feasibility study involved extensive consultation with community members, midwives, other health professionals and Aboriginal Elders. It found strong support for a facility that provides more autonomy for midwives and greater choice for families.
The feasibility study confirmed that a standalone birth centre on the campus would deliver benefits such as continuity of care birthing experience, workforce satisfaction, and cultural appropriateness.
“I have endorsed the feasibility study recommendation in principle and asked Infrastructure Canberra to develop a co-design process to ensure the next steps are taken in consultation with stakeholders, including midwives, consumers and birth centre advocates,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The report provides a solid foundation for a design process to ensure the new birth centres supports culturally safe, trauma-informed care that incorporates principles of Birthing with Country, including space for family, traditional practices and connection to Country.”
The new birth centre will support the ACT’s Maternity in Focus plan by expanding access to midwifery-led continuity of care.
“Midwifery-led continuity of care delivers positive outcomes for both mothers and babies. This dedicated space will allow our highly skilled midwives to provide woman- and person-centred care that truly reflects the needs of our diverse community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“This commitment ensures that Canberra families will have access to a safe, supported and culturally appropriate birth experience for generations to come.”
https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/rachel-stephen-smith-mla-media-releases/2025/northside-birth-centre-feasibility-study-released