ANSC September 2026 Update: St George and Sutherland Hospitals

September 2026

The St George and Sutherland Hospitals have provided updated information for GPs participating in Antenatal Shared Care (ANSC). This includes peer‑led feedback processes, changes to antenatal booking pathways, updates to Early Pregnancy Assessment Services (EPAS), parent education programs, and important clinical reminders for antenatal screening.

Peer‑led Feedback

The ANSC program is committed to supporting high‑quality antenatal care and ensuring feedback is followed up appropriately and in a timely manner.

Clinical enquiries and feedback are typically fed back through the GP Liaison Midwife at the relevant hospital. Clinical feedback may then be communicated back to the ANSC GP provider by GP ANSC Advisors, or via the relevant hospital.

Changes to Booking in for Antenatal Care

The process for booking in for antenatal care at St George Hospital and The Sutherland Hospital has recently changed.

Please refer to the hospital websites for current information:

• The Sutherland Hospital
• St George Hospital

Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS) – The Sutherland Hospital

eReferrals are now live for EPAS at The Sutherland Hospital (TSH), allowing GPs to refer directly to the service.

Operating hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
8:00am – 4:30pm (closed public holidays)

Women require a GP referral via the eReferral system. The EPAS Midwife will triage the referral and contact the woman to arrange an appointment.

Referral Criteria (<20+0 weeks pregnant)

• Vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain in the first trimester
• Pregnancy of unknown location (PUL)
• Intrauterine pregnancy not visualised on ultrasound with inappropriately rising or slow‑rising β‑hCG
• Retained products of conception following miscarriage or termination
• Possible uterine arteriovenous malformation
• Suspected molar pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria

• Negative β‑hCG
• General gynaecological issues unrelated to early pregnancy
• Referral for termination of pregnancy
• Clinically unstable women requiring urgent medical attention
• Hyperemesis gravidarum

Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS) – St George Hospital

St George Hospital EPAS transitioned from a drop‑in service to a booked appointment model on 3 November 2025.

Referral Process for GPs and Specialists

• Ask the woman to text her full name, date of birth and return phone number to:
  044 7577 685 ( this instruction sheet)
  She will receive a call back with appointment details after 7:30am the next business day (within 24 hours of that time).
• Fax EPAS referral and relevant clinical information (ultrasound reports, external pathology) to:
  (02) 9113 3183
  or email: seslhd-stg-epasclinic@health.nsw.gov.au
• Women who are clinically unstable or require urgent care should be directed to the Emergency Department.

A flyer is available with further details.

Childbirth & Parenting Programs – The Sutherland Hospital

Parent Education sessions support women and families to prepare for childbirth and early parenting. These programs promote informed decision‑making and positive birth experiences.

Families can book into programs at:

• St George Hospital
• The Sutherland Hospital

Clinical Reminder: Antenatal Screening – Vitamin D & Syphilis

Vitamin D Screening

• All women should have Vitamin D testing with initial antenatal bloods.
• Particularly important for women at higher risk of deficiency (e.g. limited sun exposure, darker skin, BMI >30).
• Manage deficiency with appropriate supplementation in line with current guidelines.

Syphilis Screening

• Syphilis serology is recommended for all women at booking.
• Repeat screening is recommended at 28 weeks and again later in pregnancy/birth, particularly in higher‑risk settings.
• Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent congenital syphilis and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Key Reminder

• Ensure results are reviewed, documented and acted upon promptly.
• Repeat testing is required even when initial screening is negative.