Continuity of carer

The extent of continuity of carer is a measure of the one-to-one care provided by the same named caregiver. In 2025, over one-third of models (35%, or 381 models) had no continuity of carer in any stage of the maternity period, so care is given by different providers. This was similar to 2024 (36%, or 385 models). A similar proportion (37%) have continuity of carer for some part of the maternity period, for example the antenatal period only (20%), or the antenatal and postpartum periods (15%).

Around 317 models (29%) in 2025 have continuity of carer for the whole maternity period, meaning a single named carer provides or coordinates care for the antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. This is 15 more models than reported in 2024 (28%, or 302 models). Continuity of carer for the whole maternity period reflects models classified as midwifery group practice caseload care (16%) – also known as midwifery continuity of carer and other models of care (13%), usually those classified as private obstetrician specialist care. The number of models providing midwifery continuity of carer increased from 154 in 2024 to 173 in 2025, while those providing whole duration continuity of carer from other care providers changed from 148 models in 2024 to144 models in 2025. 

The proportion of models with continuity of carer through the whole maternity period was higher in Queensland (39%) which may be related to the higher number of models classified as midwifery group practice caseload care. 

Around three-quarters (77%) of maternity services have at least one model of care with continuity of carer for the whole maternity period – this was higher in private maternity services (94%) than public services (72%). Fifty-seven per cent of services (142 services) have a model of care with no continuity of carer, compared with 62% (155 services) in 2024. A midwifery continuity of carer model was available at 46% of maternity services overall and is higher for services in Queensland (69%) and the Australian Capital Territory (67%). 

The data visualisation below (Figure 5) shows maternity models of care by the extent of their continuity of carer for both maternity services and models of care. Select the drop-down menu to filter by jurisdiction (state or territory) and use the buttons to view the data table and trend data.

Figure 5: Maternity models of care, by continuity of carer, Australia, 2021–2025

The bar chart shows over one-third of models of care (35%) have no continuity of carer. Around one-third have continuity of carer for some part of the maternity period and less than one-third have continuity of carer across the whole maternity period.

The bar chart shows over one-third of models of care (35%) have no continuity of carer. Around one-third have continuity of carer for some part of the maternity period and less than one-third have continuity of carer across the whole maternity period.

Continuity of carer varies by model category and designated carer

The extent of continuity of carer varies by model category. Models classified as midwifery group practice caseload care, by definition, have continuity of carer for the whole maternity period. Models classified as private midwifery care, and private obstetrician specialist care also have a high level of continuity of carer for the whole maternity period (100% and 84% of models in these categories, respectively in 2025). In contrast, models classified as team midwifery care, by definition, have no continuity of carer across any stage of the maternity period. Models classified as public hospital maternity care and public hospital high risk maternity care are more likely to have no continuity of carer (54% and 55% of models in these categories, respectively). 

The extent of continuity of carer also varies by the health profession of the designated carer. Models of care with a designated carer of midwife – privately practising or specialist obstetrician – private are more likely to have continuity of carer for the whole maternity period (89% and 76% of these models, respectively in 2025). In contrast, three-quarters (76%) of models of care with a designated carer of specialist obstetrician – public have no continuity of carer at any stage of the maternity period.

Continuity models of care with different professional groups as the designated carer are likely to use different approaches and practices in the care they provide. For example, all midwifery continuity of carer models offer a postnatal visit in a residential setting, compared with 36% of private obstetrician specialist care models of care.

The data visualisation below (Figure 6) shows the extent of continuity of carer by major model category and designated carer. Change the display by selecting either major model category or designated carer.

Figure 6: Continuity of carer, by model category and designated carer, Australia, 2025

There are 2 bar charts in the data visualisation. The first shows the extent of continuity of carer by model category. Models classified as midwifery group practice caseload care, private midwifery care, and private obstetrician and privately practising midwife joint care have continuity of carer for the whole maternity period. 

The second chart shows the extent of continuity of carer by designated carer. Models with a designated carer of midwife – privately practising or specialist obstetrician –private, are more likely to have continuity of carer across the whole maternity period (89% and 76%, respectively).

There are 2 bar charts in the data visualisation. The first shows the extent of continuity of carer by model category. Models classified as midwifery group practice caseload care, private midwifery care, and private obstetrician and privately practising midwife joint care have continuity of carer for the whole maternity period. The second chart shows the extent of continuity of carer by designated carer. Models with a designated carer of midwife – privately practising or specialist obstetrician –private, are more likely to have continuity of carer across the whole maternity period (89% and 76%, respectively).
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