GP Antenatal Shared Care Program

The GP ANSC program aims to:

• provide pregnant women and families with flexibility, choice and continuity of care,
• cater for the preferences and needs of women from a range of diverse backgrounds,
• enhance the skills of GPs caring for women during pregnancy, and
• promote communication between GPs and the participating hospitals

CESPHN works collaboratively with South Eastern Sydney LHD and Sydney LHD to deliver the three GP ANSC programs in the region.

CESPHN is responsible for program administration and communication; providing ANSC specific CPD programs; and collaborating with HealthPathways to ensure clinical resources are up to date and consistent.

The hospitals are responsible for defining specific clinical care pathways and protocols and providing ongoing clinical guidance for GPs.

Each GP ANSC program has an Advisory Committee which is comprised of local GP Advisors, hospital staff and CESPHN staff. There are up to five GP Advisors on each committee to ensure broad primary care representation and advocacy.

Each committee meets quarterly and is responsible for contributing to the governance of the program, ensuring to ensure appropriate standards of antenatal care are maintained. They advise on the operation of ANSC protocols, monitor identified or emerging risks, provide feedback on program initiatives and assist with developing priorities for education and training.

Evaluation of the GP ANSC Program

The GP ANSC Program is committed to continuous improvement. In 2023, CESPHN commissioned ARTD Consultants to conduct a mixed-methods evaluation focused on program processes and outputs. The final report can be viewed here.

To maintain affiliation with the ANSC program, there are ongoing educational requirements for each RACGP triennium. Over the three-year period (2026-2028), GPs are required to accrue at least 6 CPD hours in either antenatal and/or postnatal specific educational activities. Relevant educational activities can be completed as face-to-face and online webinars (CESPHN or external events) or as online education modules.

You can keep your records up to date by forwarding a copy of your CPD statement or certificates to ansc@cesphn.com.au

CESPHN education events can be viewed in the Maternal Health Calendar on the CESPHN Events page and will also be posted on the events webpage and Sydney Health Weekly. Recorded CESPHN education events can be found on the CESPHN Youtube Library.

The ANSC program is dedicated to the provision of quality antenatal care and we welcome constructive feedback from GPs to enhance program delivery. You can provide feedback on the operations of the ANSC program including applications and orientation, communications, program resources and CPD  via this form.

Program feedback will be discussed at quarterly ANSC Advisory Committee meetings, and any urgent feedback will be raised out of session.

Note: For clinical enquiries and feedback, please contact the GP Liaison Midwife at the relevant hospital. Contact information is available on the hospital program pages.