Dr Sandun Fernando and Dr Ikenna Ilechukwu (Dr Ike) are thrilled to be part of the unique rural midwifery service that helps provide a trusting and supportive relationship for women and their families, their known midwife, general practitioners and the Lachlan Health Service.

The KYM model provides continuity of care for women, with expectant mothers allocated a primary midwife to care for them through their journey of pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care.

Acting Maternity Unit Manager, Tracey Barnden said the internationally recognised model of care is an amazing way of providing women-centred, holistic care where the woman and her family are at the centre of all decisions relating to their pregnancy care.

“Antenatal and postnatal care can be attended in the home at a time convenient to both the woman and her midwife,” Tracey said. 

“The woman will then have a known midwife with her throughout her labour and birth.

“These options help the smooth transition to early parenthood for new mothers.”

Tracey said a mother who recently gave birth at Parkes Hospital said the ‘Know Your Midwife’ Program allowed her to feel safe and supported through the journey of child birth.

“Ensuring mothers are at the centre of their own care is an extremely important part of the program,” she said.

Both Dr Sandun and Dr Ike work alongside the midwives in the ‘Know Your Midwife’ Program as well as the core midwives who work on the floor 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Parkes Hospital. 

They provide a service for local women and if you require referrals for treatment these can easily be arranged.

“Dr Sandun Fernando comes from Warners Bay and is here for two to three weeks at a time,” Tracey said.

“Dr Ike is also providing a service at Parkes for two to three weeks at a time.”

The KYM Program supports the surrounding towns of Condobolin, Peak Hill, Trundle, Tullamore, Fifield, Bogan Gate, Eugowra, Canowindra, Manildra and Yeoval.

Mothers planning to have their baby elsewhere are also looked after, and are encouraged to visit Parkes Hospital to discuss postnatal care services.

“We are encouraging all women interested in the Program to come and see us at Parkes so we can allocate you a KYM midwife to guide you through your exciting journey,” Tracey said.

Please book into maternity services by contacting (02) 6861 2400 to take advantage of the program.