Health minister queried about hospital birthing suite

DYLAN SMITH

The state’s health minister has been questioned about the new birthing suite at the upgraded Gunnedah Hospital.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson queried NSW Health Minister Ryan Park about the number of babies born in the new suite since the $53m health facility redevelopment opened in January.

As reported in last week’s Gunnedah Times, full maternity services remain unavailable as recruitment efforts continue to fill all necessary positions.

“Carmen Carslake from Boggabri has expressed frustration at being unable to access birthing facilities at Gunnedah Hospital, just 40km from her home,” Mr Anderson told parliament last week.

“As a result, she opted for a C–section in Tamworth rather than risk going into labour 90 minutes from the nearest hospital.”

Responding to Mr Anderson’s query, Mr Park told parliament that maternity services are important for regional, rural and remote communities.

“I have said that from the get-go, since I became the minister for this portfolio. It is an area that we need to continue to invest in,” he said.

Mr Park continued his reply and attempted to discuss maternity services under the previous Coalition government before Mr Anderson called a point of order and sought the minister’s reply specifically about Gunnedah.

“The question is about Gunnedah Hospital,” Mr Anderson said.

“There have been no births there, minister … zero.”

Continuing his response, Mr Park said the current government was made aware that 14 birthing suites were closed or suspended when it came to office.

“The second challenge we have addressed by dramatically increasing the nursing and midwifery workforce in NSW by around 13 per cent,” he said.

“In rural and regional New South Wales, that is the equivalent of over 3,000 staff.”

Mr Park said in terms of Gunnedah specifically, recruitment is underway for an obstetrician.

“It is a difficult procedure to do without obstetricians and midwives. That is the challenge,” he said.

“We will continue to invest to ensure that we have record numbers of midwives.

“We will continue to ensure that, wherever we can, we are recruiting staff to open up regional, rural and remote birthing services. That is the commitment we have made.”