Maternity crisis continues to loom large

The state of maternity services on the Central Coast continues to shape up as one of the major issues set to influence the region’s voters at the Federal election.

Labor announced this week that the Federal Government would provide $10M to the NSW Government so public hospitals can manage the expected increase in demand for maternity services.

Concern over the region’s services for expecting and delivering mothers escalated when HealtheCare announced late last year that it would stop providing the only private maternity services in the region at Gosford Private Hospital at the end of March this year.

The government said the newly announced funding would support upgrades to improve maternity services at Gosford and Wyong hospitals, along with workforce support and training.

“It will ensure Central Coast mothers get the local care they need at this important time in their lives,” it said.

“The demand for maternity services on the Central Coast is significant and sustained.

“This funding will improve both capacity and capability of the local hospitals to provide such services.”

Labor Member for Dobell Emma McBride said she had worked at Wyong Hospital for a decade and knew how important access to quality healthcare services is for the growing community.

“This funding demonstrates the Federal Labor Government’s commitment to making sure women and families on the Central Coast have maternity services close to home,” she said.

Labor Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid also weighed in, saying it was “absolutely critical” that women have access to maternity services on the Central Coast.

“As the local Federal Member and a practising doctor, I understand the importance of maternity services to both the mother and baby,” he said.

“This funding announcement shows the Federal Government is listening to the concerns of women across the Central Coast.”

Health Minister Mark Butler said the government was taking action before the private maternity service closes at the end of the month.

“Our funding will restore certainty and support for women and their babies at this crucial time, making it easier for them to get the local care they need without having to leave their community,” he said.

But Liberal candidates for the two seats say Labor is trying to divert attention from three years of inaction with a “last-minute election announcement”.

“The Albanese Labor Government is presiding over a maternity health crisis, with 14 private maternity wards closing their doors since this government came to power,” candidate for Robertson Lucy Wicks said.

While welcoming the fact that support has been announced for expectant mothers in the region, Wicks said they deserve better than they have received under Labor.

“On Labor’s watch, the private hospital sector has been brought to its knees and our community is being made to pay the price,” she said.

“A rushed media release does nothing to cover up Labor’s maternity health crisis, particularly as it fails to recognise that Gosford hospital is about to be the only Central Coast public hospital that mothers can give birth in.

“Central Coast women deserve to have certainty.

“I’m calling on Dr Reid to provide the necessary details and assure us that that local women will have access to the local birthing services they need.”

Liberal candidate for Dobell Brendan Small said maternity services were disappearing at an alarming rate, not just on the Central Coast but right across the country.

“If Labor and its local MPs were serious about protecting mums and babies they would work to restore the services our community needs, and provide greater detail and certainty to expectant families in our community,” he said.

“The Albanese Government must outline how they will fully address this maternity health crisis, which is becoming an escalating national issue.”

Reid said after 12 years of cuts from the former Government, Liberal candidates were expressing concerns over healthcare “just in time for a Federal election”.

“The reality is, Ms Wicks supported Peter Dutton when he was Health Minister and cut $50B from public hospitals, attempted to implement a GP tax, and was voted the worst health minister by Australian doctors,” he said.

“I am proud to have helped establish two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics on the Central Coast, with another one on the way.

“Will these clinics be safe if Peter Dutton wins government and knowing his track record?”

Terry Collins