20 February 2009

Maternity services to stayat Bega District Hospital

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca announced today that all birthing services for the Bega Valley will continue to be located in Bega District Hospital, as recommended by the independent assessment of Maternity Services for the district.

The Minister said after careful consideration of the alternate points of view and following a meeting with doctors from Pambula last week, the best outcome for patients and the community is a birthing service based at Bega, which involves all GP obstetricians in the valley.

“This arrangement provides a more comprehensive and safer model of care for mothers and babies in the local community,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“The basis for this decision includes Bega Hospital having a larger establishment of midwifery and theatre nursing staff, more specialist back-up and an after hours pathology service.”

Mr Della Bosca has asked that GP obstetricians from Pambula and Bega Hospital now work together with GSAHS to achieve a robust maternity service for the benefit of all Bega Valley residents.

“We are exploring the options for Pambula GP obstetricians to participate in providing birthing services to their patients in Bega,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“A cooperative approach is now needed to address the issues faced by Pambula-based doctors, as we harness their obstetric expertise and experience to provide the best outcome for all the families who reside in the Bega Valley,” he said.

The Minister confirmed that medical services would continue to be available from Pambula Hospital until the new Bega Valley Health Service opens. Ante-natal and postnatal care will continue to be provided from Pambula.

Mr Della Bosca said he was pleased to say that cardiac monitoring of appropriate patients can now take place as the necessary renovations at Pambula Hospital have been completed.

“Greater Southern Area Health Service is also actively working with medical staff at Bega and Pambula to determine how best to increase surgical services at Pambula,” Mr Della Bosca said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au