Gladstone Families Rejoice As Hospital Maternity Bypass Ends

After almost a year since the Gladstone Hospital Maternity ward was put on bypass, the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CQHHS) has announced the reintroduction of full birthing services at Gladstone Hospital as of June 13. At Phase 3, all expectant mothers with low – risk pregnancies, being 37 weeks or more gestation, can give birth closer to home at Gladstone Hospital. Higher risk pregnancies will be referred to Rockhampton as has previously been the case. The highest risk pregnancies have always been referred to tertiary hospitals and this will continue.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Women, Shannon Fentiman, has recently enunciated her appeasement towards the maternity ward crisis for Central Queensland.