EXPECTANT parents continue to travel to Bendigo and Mildura to deliver their babies during so-called ‘bypass’ periods as Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) grapples with staff shortages.
A SHDH spokesperson said the previously reported statewide shortage of midwives continued and that the hospital was “desperate” for more staff.
“We don’t leave anyone hanging, we discuss and plan in detail with the expectant mother and work through what are her best options, case by case,” the spokesperson said.
“This follows through to travel, if someone doesn’t have the means to travel, we will discuss that with the family in their plan.
The hospital will not be turning away emergency cases as they arise, but expectant parents will have to travel during the bypass periods – which each last a couple of days at most – as there is no alterative maternity unit in Swan Hill.
“It is hard to know how frequently these bypass periods will occur, generally infrequently,” the spokesperson said.
“It will likely be an ongoing issue, every now and then, until we get more staff.
“We only have one obstetrician so if they become unwell, which can’t be prevented or foreseen, it is difficult.
“We don’t like doing it (bypasses), but (with fewer staff) we can’t run the service to full care.”
The spokesperson refuted rumours that the maternity unit would be closing and said the team just needed more midwives to join the hospital.
The unit did not lose any staff as a result of the COVID-19 vaccination mandate, while SHDH at large only saw a “minimal” amount of staff leave relative to the size of the service’s operations.
The hospital is currently advertising multiple positions in the midwifery department including for a clinical midwifery consultant, a midwifery unit manager, registered midwives and senior experienced midwives.
The advertisement outlines that SHDH’s midwifery department has two birthing suites, four single bedrooms with ensuite facilities and delivers 200 babies per year.
Under the Safe Patient Care Act 2015 a certain midwife-to-patient ratio is required so during times of shortages expectant parents will need to travel to other facilities that are often larger.
“Although this process can be a little inconvenient at times, our main priority is always ensuring our patients receive the care they deserve, whether with us when staffing allows or another trusted service provider,” the SHDH spokesperson said.
“Our midwifery unit, allowing women to access antenatal care and birth in Swan Hill, isn’t going anywhere, we just hope to find some more midwives to join our fantastic existing team.”
One common alternative for Swan Hill and district parents-to-be is the Mildura Base Public Hospital, which includes an eight-bed antenatal/postnatal ward with a three-bed birth suite, a two-bed midwifery assessment unit and a four-bed special care nursery.
Meanwhile, those travelling to Bendigo have the choice of both the Bendigo Base – the largest regional hospital in the state – and St John of God private hospital.
The numbers of little ones joining the world in Bendigo dwarfs the numbers in Swan Hill, with an average of 130 to 145 babies born at the Bendigo Base each month.
Records were broken this year with more than 180 babies born in recent months including some from Swan Hill.
The Guardian has previously reported a surge in deliveries at SHDH in the past 18 months as a result of lockdowns.
SHDH midwifery acting nurse unit manager Cheryl Delmenico said they delivered up to 200 babies per year.
“I don’t think anyone knows why there is a shortage,” Ms Delmenico said previously.
“There have been lots of models and high-level work done, but COVID-19 hasn’t helped.
“We don’t have midwives coming from overseas so much now … that’s how heavily we rely on them.”
To view and apply for SHDH’s vacant positions, visit bit.ly/3pGuJnF
