Maternal and Child Health Uplift Program

The deadline for submitting applications this year is COB, Friday, 13 December 2024.
Applications received after this date will be processed on or after 6 January 2025.

​

This financial year, Health Workforce Queensland (HWQ) has continued its successful collaboration with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) to address identified service gaps through a variety of impactful projects. In partnership with NQPHN, HWQ co-designed a comprehensive Maternal and Child Health workforce skills and development uplift program for the entire NQPHN region. This initiative aligns with the Better Health North Queensland Alliance First 1,000 Days Framework.

The Maternal and Child Health Uplift Program (MCHUP) commenced in April 2024 and is designed to upskill primary health care professionals while expanding the workforce to address the comprehensive health needs of families and children in North Queensland. Through increased access to education and training opportunities, the program seeks to ensure adequate service provision while building the capability and capacity of the primary care workforce. MCHUP specifically focuses on supporting mothers and families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the perinatal period, as well as addressing the broader child health needs in the region. The program is available to both individual health professionals as well as organisations with eligible health professionals who require access to maternal and child health education and training.

Since program commencement, 35 applications have been received, including 20 allied health professionals, six general practitioners and nine nurse/midwives. Four applications from three ACCHSs have been funded in this period, which will assist to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies in North Queensland.

The MCHUP has been warmly received by health professionals, particularly as the funding covers course fees, as well as other supports to help overcome barriers that might prevent individuals from completing relevant upskilling. Though still in its early stages, the positive feedback underscores the need for this program. An MCHUP participant, an Atherton based physiotherapist, shared, "It’s great to see more maternal and child health programs. Many of my allied health colleagues avoid the women’s and children’s health space due to a lack of skills, so it’s fantastic that the PHN and HWQ recognise the importance of this area!"

The program's support for both local and interstate training has also been well-received by health professionals and practice managers. An ACCHS midwife participant expressed, "Due to our remote location, we can only attend courses in Cairns because of childcare and resource limitations. The fact that this program exists and allows us to upskill staff from such a small and remote community is a miracle."

We are excited to continue this program and provide ongoing support to Northern Queensland health professionals, addressing the health needs of families and children in the region.