A framework for monitoring maternal and infant health status

The Mother and Infant Network (MINET) Program was established in South Western Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS) in 1997. MINET developed and implemented an integrated clinical data network as a key strategy to support and inform a Continuum of Care comprising hospital and community based services. There are good data sources within the MINET program. Its scope spans care for mothers and children, which begins with the first antenatal attendance and ends at school entry. This paper has three interrelated aims: to describe the development of the MINET program; to demonstrate the benefits of a sustainable Information Culture which can assist an Area Health Services in adopting a health outcomes based approach to service delivery; and to describe how MINET has the capacity to support Health Services Research.