Latest news with #postnatalcare
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi: New mothers to get timely support with home visits, online consultation
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has launched the Integrated Postnatal Care Programme as part of its broader Women's and Children's Health Strategy, in a bid to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns during the crucial postpartum period. The new initiative offers a comprehensive and accessible care model that combines home visits, telemedicine consultations, and outpatient services. It aims to ensure that new mothers receive continuous, personalised support from the moment of discharge through the weeks that follow — helping identify potential concerns early and ensuring timely intervention. As part of the programme, a telemedicine consultation will be offered shortly after a mother and baby leave the hospital. This early virtual check-in is designed to monitor their health and wellbeing, provide expert guidance, and address any immediate concerns — offering peace of mind during the early days at home. In addition, mothers will have the option to visit their nearest hospital or primary care clinic at two key stages: between 7 and 14 days postpartum, and again at six weeks. For mothers who experienced complications during pregnancy or childbirth, or are caring for infants with special health needs, the programme also includes two home visits by a nurse or midwife. The first occurs shortly after discharge, and the second between 7 and 14 days later, offering hands-on support in a familiar environment. 'The postpartum period is one of the most physically and emotionally challenging times in a woman's life – and yet, one of the most overlooked. With the launch of this programme, we prioritise mothers and newborns by providing a robust support system that extends beyond the hospital walls," said Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH). "By integrating telemedicine, in-person follow-ups, and home-based care, we deliver proactive, personalised services that empower mothers and give every child a healthier start. This is more than just a healthcare programme – it's a commitment to ensuring that every mother and child receives the highest quality of care they deserve," she added.
RNZ News
12-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Health Committee backs bill to extend hospital stays for new mums, but how much will it cost?
The bill also requires the lead maternity carer to let the mother know what she is eligible for. Photo: 123RF Parliament's Health Committee recommends the Pae Ora Amendment Bill - which would offer mothers and newborns a minimum three-day postnatal hospital stay - be passed without any changes. However, the committee's report also notes the cost to add capacity to the system could be over $100 million, plus up to $38.3 million in annual operational costs. The Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (3 Day Postnatal Stay) Amendment Bill proposes the 48 hours of funded inpatient post-natal care currently available, be upped to 72 hours. The bill also requires the lead maternity carer to let the mother know what she is eligible for. In the report, the Health Committee said they had "no issues regarding the legislation's design to bring to the attention of the House". But the report said the Committee were "advised" that 175 additional beds would need to be added to the nation-wide system to manage the increase of inpatient care. The capital expenditure - the initial amount needed to set-up - was estimated at $100 million, while annual operational costs could range from $31.9 million and $38.3 million, the report said. The costs are based on 100 percent demand. As not all mothers would use the 72-hour entitlement, the overall cost would be lower, the report said. The majority of submitters were in favour of the bill. But the report said regardless of stance, submitters agreed that a 72-hour stay alone will not solve broader issues in the maternity sector. "They sought wider reforms , including resourcing, alongside any change to postnatal care entitlements," the report concluded. Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. Photo: VNP/Louis Collins Labour's health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall called on the government to provide the funding needed to implement the changes. "Anything less is a cynical attempt to look like it cares about women's health while actually doing nothing," Verrall said. National MP Catherine Wedd - who put the bill forward - said funding decisions were yet to be made. "If the bill progresses, our focus will be on making sure any changes are realistic, well-planned and sustainable - so they can truly deliver for families and for our health system," she said in a written statement. National MP Catherine Wedd. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver "Investing in postnatal care through this bill will yield long-term benefits for the health and wellbeing of mothers, babies and whānau across New Zealand." She said the government "absolutely" supported the goal of ensuring women have access to safe and high-quality postnatal care. The bill is set to go back to the House for further debate. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday .
