North Eastern Community Hospital in Campbelltown announces shock closure of maternity unit

A major north eastern hospital has announced the closure of its maternity unit after delivering 25,000 babies over the past 50 years.

A north eastern suburbs hospital has announced the closure of its maternity unit.

The North Eastern Community Hospital (NECH) in Campbelltown, about 10km from the city, will shut down its maternity service from March 2 because of “rising liability insurance risks and costs” as well as “a declining birthrate” in the region.

The not-for-profit, community owned, private hospital and nursing home facility announced the shock closure on its website saying the tough decision was made after an extensive review of hospital operations and community needs.

The review identified the maternity unit “as unviable due to numerous factors outside of the NECH’s control”.

More than 25,000 babies have been delivered in the maternity unit over the past 50 years.

NECH board chairman Michael Auciello said the decision to close the Maternity Unit had been difficult but necessary to ensure the hospital’s future growth and ability to provide high quality health services to the community.

Mr Auciello said the board considered all options and unanimously agreed they couldn’t justify allocating hundreds of thousands of dollars to overseas insurance companies for a service used by about 20 local families a month.

“We thank our staff for their dedication and professionalism as well as their understanding that we are obligated to ensure NECH continues to evolve and deliver to the needs of our community at the highest possible standard,’’ Mr Auciello said.

“Our team have excelled in their birthing role for our community, but our efforts must now be focused on ensuring we are well placed to deliver in other areas of higher need for our community members.’’

The North Eastern Community Hospital (NECH) board has made a shock decision to close its maternity ward. Picture: Facebook

Nursing and midwifery staff working in the unit have been told about the closure and will be supported in transitioning to another role within the hospital.

Families and their obstetricians who are booked into the maternity unit from late February will likely be referred to Burnside Memorial or Calvary North Adelaide.

NECH Clinical manager Emily Judd said her team was proud of what had been achieved over the past 50 years.

“We are looking towards making the most of this opportunity to celebrate all that we have achieved and the very positive contribution we have made in our community, and thank all the local families who have trusted us with their births – it’s been so rewarding for us all’,’ Ms Judd said.

More than 25,000 babies have been delivered at the North Eastern Community Hospital (NECH) in Campbelltown over the past 50 years. Picture: Facebook

“Our legacy will be that we have developed as a united and professional team dedicated to servicing this community who now require different services from our hospital as the local demographic changes.’’

The NECH maternity suites will be renovated to make them fit for purpose to respond to the future needs of the community, equipped with up-to-date equipment and offering the surgical procedures most in demand in the area.

Women’s Health services, including gynaecology, will continue to be offered by NECH and there are plans for a dedicated $500,000 Ophthalmology suite with a consulting room, operating rooms, and stage 1 and 2 recovery suites.