After more than a year, Whyalla Hospital to resume birth services with new Woonabie Birthing Unit opening and several midwives from the UK to transfer

It was the pregnant pause that lasted more than a year, but local mums-to-be can finally give birth in their hometown hospital from Monday when it resumes birth services.

Whyalla Hospital will resume limited birthing services from Monday, more than a year after stopping due to lack of midwives.

Pregnant women in the area have had to go to Port Augusta to give birth during the pause.

Births ceased at the major regional hospital from June 26, 2023 with officials at the time saying the halt was temporary and they hoped to resume “as soon as possible.”

From July 1, the new Woonabie Birthing Unit will open its doors for birthing to women with low-risk pregnancies who are at 37 weeks or more gestation.

No-one is more excited than Taylor Breen, 32, who is 38 weeks pregnant with her first child.

She and partner Josh Watkins, 31, are delighted to have their baby in the hospital where she works as a nurse.

Taylor Breen of Whyalla who is expecting her first child and hopes to give birth in Whyalla Hospital, with a friend’s son Otis.

“This is my first child and I always hoped the birthing unit in Whyalla might open in time for us,” she said.

“We were going to go to Port Augusta but this makes everything so much more convenient.

“Some people we know who have given birth have spent a week in hospital so that was in the back of our minds. I’m so glad that we have the option to give birth close to home.

“I’ve seen the new ward and it’s amazing – everything is so new and fresh.

“My family are in Whyalla and I’m really looking forward to having them come and visit us. “It’s pretty cool.”

Pregnant women may still be referred to Port Augusta Hospital or alternate services in special circumstances, including those requiring induction of labour or when the number of clients exceeds Whyalla’s capacity.

Several experienced midwives recruited from the United Kingdom will be relocating to Whyalla in coming months enabling a full return of all maternity services.

An independent review recommended appointing a permanent senior Director of Midwifery and relocating the birthing unit to a newer part of the hospital.

The Woonabie Birthing Unit was opened in May, containing five beds with ensuites, two birthing suites and two neonatal spaces.

Health Minister Chris Picton said a midwifery unit manager and several midwives have been recruited to deliver high-quality care to pregnant women and their families.

“We understand this has taken a long time, but we wanted to make sure birthing services could be reinstated in a safe and appropriate way,” he said.

Health Minister Chris Picton. Picture: Kelly Barnes

MP for Giles Eddie Hughes. Picture: Tom Huntley

Local MP Eddie Hughes said it is essential a community the size of Whyalla has a well resourced birthing service.

“I am delighted to see birthing services return to Whyalla — three of my children were born at the Whyalla Hospital so this is an issue I have been extremely passionate about,” he said

Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network acting chief executive Angela McLachlan said staff are working with affected families to help them plan for the birth of their newborns.