Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network - Transition to Professional Practice Program (TPPP) for Midwives
About Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network
The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network (BHFLHN), situated on the Traditional Lands of the Kaurna, Ngadjuri, Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri/Ramindjeri people, is unique in encapsulating the land borders of all Adelaide metropolitan local health networks.
BHFLHN is a unique and diverse health network, made up of 11 health services, with five level 3 birthing services at:
- Kapunda Hospital
- Gawler Health Service
- Mount Barker District Soldiers Memorial Hospital
- Southern Fleurieu Health Service
- Kangaroo Island Health Service.
BHFLHN is the smallest of the six regional Local Health Networks (LHNs) in size, but the largest in population, and our birthing services range from small rural and regional sites at Kapunda and South Coast, to sprawling peri-urban services in Gawler and Mount Barker, to our most remote birthing service on Kangaroo Island – with birthing activity as diverse as the geography. BHFLHN is currently implementing an LHN wide Midwifery Model of Care, embedding increased Midwife TPPP placements in various models of care and rotation options.
The network is committed to its existing and growing midwifery workforce, investing in the learning and development needs of midwives. BHFLHN has invested in its TPPP Support Team, with dedicated roles of Midwife Educator, TPPP Educator and RM Clinical Facilitators. In addition, clinical area preceptors are identified and supported to further enhance an optimal transition to professional practice. BHFLHN is working to embed Endorsed Midwives across the region, providing clear pathways in progressive roles within the network. This growth and future development, clearly demonstrate that BHFLHN is an exciting place to work with increasing professional opportunities now and into the future.
Find out more about the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network.
Program information
Rotations
TPPP midwives will have a choice to rotate through different areas at a BHFLHN birthing site, as well as dedicated Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) Midwife TPPP places. A multi-site rotation that would provide a candidate rotation through a peri urban site and a remote site in a combined program will be offered.
Supernumerary days and orientation
TPPP midwives will be supported in their transition to practice, with an initial five-day induction program to support optimal orientation to the region and its healthcare services. Supernumerary shifts are provided with each rotation along with reduced allocations. Additional supports include an allocated preceptor, and Midwife clinical facilitator.
Education and program structure / details (face to face and online learning)
Tailored BHFLHN Midwife TPPP and Rural Support Service (RSS) study days will occur across the year to ensure our midwives are compliant, confident, and capable. Attendance to these days is supported within the Midwife TPPP full time equivalent (FTE) and is a paid study day.
Career progression – clinical speciality programs
TPPP midwives are encouraged to utilise their full scope of practise and broaden their clinical skill portfolio (e.g., cannulation, perineal suturing) with the support of the Midwife TPPP facilitation team and clinical staff.
Networking
Engaging in local and RSS study days, conferences, and rotating across our sites allows for professional development, networking opportunities and career satisfaction. All midwives are encouraged to join the Statewide Midwifery Network to be part of midwifery across South Australia.
Full-time/part-time opportunities
The BHFLN TPPP is offered at 0.84 FTE/32 hours per week.
Scheduled annual leave program
All leave entitlements are accrued in line with the Nursing and Midwifery (SA Public Sector) Enterprise bargaining Agreement 2022. Four weeks of annual leave is pre-allocated within each of the rotations and remaining annual leave is negotiable. Changes to these allocations may be negotiated with the site Midwifery Unit Managers (MUMs).
Key benefits
BHFLHN promotes a strong midwifery workforce and has embedded midwifery leadership and a Midwifery Director to commit to the development and future of midwifery in BHFLHN. Our midwives collaborate closely with the maternity care team, including obstetric medical officers, perioperative, allied health, and nursing to ensure care is patient and family centred through the implementation of the Midwifery Model of Care, BHFLHN offers three unique pathways:
Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) pathway
Antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care is provided by a named midwife with in a small MGP team, in collaboration with obstetric medical offices and the maternity team. Each midwife has a caseload of patients in their care – this is reduced for TPPP midwives. Midwives work on-call and respond to midwifery activity as it is needed.
Midwifery Antenatal and Postnatal Care (MAPCare) pathway
Planned antenatal and postnatal care is provided by a named midwife within a small MAPCare team, in collaboration with obstetric medical offices and the maternity team. MAPCare midwives are not on call, and shifts are day shifts. Unplanned outpatient and intrapartum care is provided at the birth site of the patient’s choice by midwives working in the hospital (standard maternity services) – the base team.
The Base Team pathway
Midwifery care provided by midwives who choose to work in the inpatient maternity service. The Base team midwives provide inpatient care, unplanned outpatient care, and labour and birth care at the patient's birth site of choice within the existing maternity services, rostered across early, late and night shifts.
About living and working in Kangaroo Island
Hear from the Kangaroo Island Health Service about the benefits of living and working in Kangaroo Island.
Site locations and specialty rotations
See the site locations and specialty rotations (PDF 354KB) available through the BHFLHN TPPP.
Intake dates
- February 2025
Further information
For any further information about undertaking a TPPP at BHFLHN please contact the BHFLHN Midwifery Educator/TPPP Coordinator by emailing Health.BHFLHNCentStaffing@sa.gov.au