Affordable private maternity care at St John of God Bendigo Hospital

12 Feb 2024

Called Joy, it’s a midwife-led service which offers most of the benefits from private health insurance while retaining high-quality care at a lower cost.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer Michael Hogan said the new model, which will be offered alongside the traditional obstetrician-led service, gives parents a choice. The introduction of Joy follows a review of maternity services last year.

“We received a lot of feedback that out-of-pocket expenses were too high and that’s an issue across all of Australia.” Mr Hogan said.

“We know that many young couples struggle with the cost of private health insurance and we want to help them at one of the most joyful moments in their lives.”

The new service will start from just $990 and Maternity Nurse Unit Manager Nicole Harris said staff were looking forward to starting the new model.

“We’re very excited about this and we’re excited about its potential to retain a viable private maternity service in Bendigo,” she said.

“All the midwives enjoy what we do, and we’d love to see more parents choose St John of God for their happy occasion.”

Women will be under the care of a team of midwives and on-call obstetricians when they choose Joy.

Mr Hogan said Joy features all the perks of private maternity care with lower expenses.

“We offer state-of-the-art delivery suites, three nights in a private room, on-site access to lactation consultants and restaurant-quality meals made to order,” he said.

“Partners are welcome to stay and share meals as well. It’s a premium experience that’s more affordable.”

Mums who choose the traditional maternity model will have their choice of private obstetrician and can stay up to four nights.

For more information visit our maternity options page.