From the Newsroom

Locals voice concerns amidst restricted birthing services at GBH

Emma Pritchard

The Clarence Valley Independent hit the streets last week and asked members of the public to share their thoughts after the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) revealed Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) had no on-site obstetrician, or available locums to cover shortages, and subsequently, expectant and birthing mothers were being referred to Lismore Base Hospital and Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

The NNSWLHD released a second statement two days later, announcing staff had altered their rosters to ensure previously advised gaps in specialist obstetrician cover were filled.

Here are some of the comments made in regard to the revelation.

Teresa Walton: This is beyond a joke. I can’t believe GBH, the primary healthcare centre in the Clarence Valley, is relying on stand-ins to fill specialist roles which should be held by permanent staff. There seems to be no incentive to attract or retain specialists. Why is access to specialist medical staff compromised in a local government area which has a growing population, including many young couples who are planning to start their own families? None of it makes sense and this is a community issue which needs to be addressed before lives are lost.

Allina Spencer: As a parent, the announcement really shocked me. Expectant mums need the reassurance that specialists are on hand at their local hospital if an unexpected emergency suddenly develops.

Heather Mallen: It’s all well and good for the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) to tell everyone they got their staff to switch rosters, so we now have an obstetrician on-site at the hospital, but that isn’t a long-term solution to this problem. I want to know why they’re having difficulties getting people to fill these specialist roles permanently.  

Jazmine Ellerton: My partner and I have talked about having kids soon, and the news last week really concerned me. If I want to have a baby, I want to have the support of the healthcare system at my local hospital. I would hate to be forced to travel, and what if I ended up giving birth on the side of the road? That would be terrifying.

Jayne Want: I don’t think referring women to Lismore or Coffs Harbour is a suitable option. What if they have a fast labour, or something goes wrong with the birth on the way to hospital? And what happens the next time there are no locums or staff? Will women just keep being referred to other hospitals? This is Australia, and it’s just not good enough.