Connecting regional women with expert pregnancy care
(L-R) Sonographer/Medical Imaging Technologist Nienke Pley, Sonographer/Medical Imaging Technologist Karen Brennan, Sonographer/Medical Imaging Technologist Kirstie Geiger
19/10/2026
The State Government is backing an innovative virtual care project connecting women with high-risk pregnancies in the Kimberley to expert antenatal care closer to home.
The Connected Care project brings together WA Country Health Service and Women and Newborn Health Service, using real-time tele-ultrasound technology to connect regional patients and clinicians with Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) subspecialists at King Edward Memorial Hospital.With more than 6,000 pregnancies cared for annually in rural and remote Western Australia, the project is designed to strengthen local clinical capacity, promote culturally safe care, and support early diagnosis and intervention. Using livestreaming of ultrasound images, MFM subspecialists can remotely guide ultrasound examinations, interpret findings, and provide specialist consultation during a single co-ordinated appointment.
This innovative model enables women with high-risk pregnancies to access subspecialist care closer to home, reducing the need for travel to Perth while supporting timely clinical decision-making.
The project received a major boost after securing over $450,000 through the State Government Government's Future Health Research and Innovation Fund in 2025.
Following a successful launch in Broome, clinical leads are looking toward implementation in Hedland later this year, with the potential to expand to the Pilbara and Kimberley in 2027.
Last Updated:
19/10/2026