Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said he was disappointed to learn that Gosford Private Hospital planned to cease its maternity services from March next year.
“I am informed that Gosford Public Hospital has the inpatient capacity to support their maternity patients,” he said.
“I have also been informed that families who are currently booked to birth at Gosford Private will be supported until the end of March 2025 and that the hospital will continue to provide women’s health services, paediatric surgery and paediatric services through its accredited doctors.”
Harris said he had discussed the matter with Health Minister Ryan Park and had been advised there was capacity to support an anticipated increase in birth numbers at Gosford Hospital.
“The closure will directly impact on the service’s 27 staff, and I am advised re-deployment opportunities are being explored across the Healthe Care group,” he said.
“I would encourage any midwives who work at Gosford Private to apply for advertised roles within Central Coast Local Health District’s maternity services.
“This is a decision of a private business, and it is disappointing that a private health provider cannot sustain a maternity service in a growing region.”
What a weak statement by a weak minister for the Central Coast.