Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital maternity service provides care for approximately 1200 births per year. We take pride in our service, providing a high standard of clinical care supporting families through pregnancy, birth and early stages of parenting.
Our experienced team is comprised of dedicated doctors and midwives who provide family-focused care in line with the NSW Ministry of Health policies and directives.
The maternity services team consists of:
- Midwives and student midwives
- Junior medical officers in obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatrics
- Obstetrics and gynaecology consultants and obstetric specialists, paediatricians, endocrine, renal physicians and anaesthetic teams.
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital is a public teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney. We work with the universities to support the clinical training of new midwives and doctors. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai maternity service provides level four services. What this means is if you develop significant obstetric problems such as premature labour before 34 weeks you are transferred to the larger tertiary hospitals. This ensure you have the right level of obstetric care.
Pregnancy care options - At Hornsby maternity we believe birth is a natural and unique event and we endeavour to support the individual birth choices you and your partner have made for your pregnancy. We will assist you in obtaining evidence based information to inform your decisions. The optimal outcome for all families is a well mother and baby and we will work in partnership with you to achieve this. We provide many options for care in your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period.
Midwives' clinic at the hospital and in the community - for the majority of women their pregnancy is uncomplicated. For these women their care is provided by midwives; Midwives are often allocated to the same clinic so there will be some consistency of care during your pregnancy. Midwives also run more complex clinics to help those with extra needs, when you book into the hospital you can enquire about those. If there are any concerns or problems at any stage of your pregnancy, the midwives will consult with the obstetricians and you may need to have some or all of your visits with the doctors.
Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) - this is a primary health, continuity of care model, that offers care to well low risk women. The midwives providing care in MGP work together as a group, but you will be allocated a primary or "known" midwife. The majority of your care is provided by your "known" midwife. They will care for you throughout your pregnancy, labour, birth and the beginning of parenthood, supported by the other midwives within the group.
To be eligible for group practice you need to live in the Hornsby local government area. You need to enquire about this model at booking.
Student midwife clinic - this is a model of care where the student midwives provide the care during the pregnancy and are on call for your birth. The students are fully supervised by experienced midwives and many families find this a rewarding model.
Obstetric and medical specialist clinic - some women have more complex pregnancy needs. If you require medical input during your pregnancy, you will be seen in the doctors clinic. A variety of doctors, supported by midwives, will provide care for you throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period.
GP shared antenatal care (GP SAC) - is a sharing pregnancy care between your GP and the antenatal clinic. Some GPs participate in GP shared antenatal care program and this may be your preferred option especially if you have no problems during your pregnancy. Most of your appointments will be with the GP but you have access to obstetric care if you develop any complications.
Private obstetric care - there are some consultant doctors who provide private obstetric care at Hornsby Hospital. Often your GP may know or you can ask when booking in. You will see the obstetricians in their private rooms during pregnancy and they will be notified when you present to the hospital.