Client Booking & Care Agreement
BloomBirth Private Maternity Services is provided by Helena Ruane, an AHPRA-registered Endorsed Midwife (NMW0001777608) & Registered Nurse (NMW00009826). Care is provided in accordance with:
The NMBA Code of Conduct for Midwives (2022)
The NMBA Decision-Making Framework (2020)
Relevant Standards for Practice and National Safety & Quality frameworks
The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral (5th Edition, 2026)
Care is provided within the Endorsed Midwife’s legislated scope of practice and professional registration requirements. All clinical recommendations, discussions, and care planning are guided by current evidence, individualised clinical assessment, and the above professional frameworks.
BloomBirth is committed to respectful, woman-centred care that recognises your autonomy, values, cultural context, and right to make informed decisions about your body and your pregnancy. Information will be shared transparently, including the known risks, benefits, and alternatives of any recommended care, to support informed consent and shared decision-making.
Consultation, Referral & Transfer of Care
Where clinically indicated, consultation, referral, or transfer of care to another healthcare provider will be recommended in accordance with the ACM National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral (5th Edition, 2026).
These recommendations are made to promote safety and align with national professional standards. While your decisions will always be respected, the Endorsed Midwife cannot provide care outside professional scope, regulatory requirements, or safety standards.
If you choose to decline a recommended consultation, referral, or transfer of care, a Record of Understanding (ACM, 2026 – Appendix A) may be developed where appropriate and mutually agreed. This document will confirm that:
The clinical recommendation/s and rationale were discussed;
Relevant risks, benefits, and alternatives were explained;
You have the opportunity to ask questions;
You understand, confirming your comprehension of this information;
A reasonable time was provided for you to consider the information and options discussed;
You are aware that your decision can be reconsidered or changed at any time;
You have made an informed decision to decline recommend care or advice of the Endorsed Midwife;
The Endorsed Midwife’s ongoing provision of care does not imply agreement with your decision; however, it respects your right to self-determination.
Ongoing care by the Endorsed Midwife will continue where it remains:
Within professional scope and regulatory requirements;
Clinically appropriate and safe;
Consistent with professional indemnity insurance coverage;
Based on mutual trust and collaborative partnership.
If circumstances arise where safe care cannot continue within these parameters, the Endorsed Midwife reserves the right to discontinue care in accordance with the ACM National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral (5th Edition, 2026) and all professional obligations regarding continuity and safe handover will be adhered to.
Telehealth
Telehealth offers flexible, accessible care from the comfort of your home. By booking a Telehealth appointment, you understand:
A stable internet connection is required;
Telehealth may not be suitable for all clinical situations;
If in-person or urgent care is needed, we will advise the recommended care as per the above-mentioned governing bodies.
Fees & Payments
Appointment fees are payable before or at your consultation. Medicare rebates may apply where eligible. Any out-of-pocket expenses will be communicated verbally and in writing within a timely manner. If you are unsure about fees, please reach out via hello@bloombirth.au.
Transparency is important to us!
Cancellations & missed appointments
We understand that life (and babies!) can be unpredictable. Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a fee. This allows us to offer that time to another family in need of care.
Privacy & your information
Your privacy is deeply respected. Your personal and health information is handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and guidelines from the Office of The Australian Information Commissioner. For further details, please read BloomBirth Private Midwifery Care Privacy Policy.
Refunds
Refunds are in accordance with The Australian Consumer Law, which requires services to be provided with care and skill. If you have any concerns about fees or services, please reach out promptly. Bulk-billed appointments are paid directly to BloomBirth Private Midwifery Care by Medicare.
By Booking an Appointment, You Acknowledge That:
You have provided accurate, complete, and relevant health information to the best of your knowledge;
You understand the scope and limitations of private midwifery services within a primary care setting;
Clinical recommendations are provided in alignment with national guidelines and regulatory standards;
The Endorsed Midwife retains the professional responsibility to practise within scope and decline care that falls outside regulatory, safety, or insurance parameters;
You retain the right to make informed decisions about your care;
You understand fees, policies, and how your information is utilised;
You consent for BloomBirth Private Midwifery Care to search and utilise your Medicare details for the sole purpose of claiming billable Endorsed Midwife item numbers.
You consent to completing a home visit safety assessment and confirm that the environment is safe for care to be provided