What’s next for Epworth maternity staff

An Epworth Geelong midwife says staff are devastated following the announcement of the maternity ward’s closure, as local hospitals explain how they plan to bridge the gap.

Rally to save Epworth Geelong maternity unit. Picture: Alan Barber

Epworth Geelong staff are being urged to apply for jobs at the region’s other two major hospitals after the announcement its maternity unit would close.

On Thursday, it was revealed the ward would shut on March 31, with Epworth saying it did not have the workforce to support a safe and sustainable service.

A midwife from Epworth Geelong, who wished to remain anonymous, said staff were devastated midwife shortages were being blamed for the closure.

“Our current roster is that of safe staffing levels,” she said.

“Staffing issues have never been genuinely addressed.”

She said senior management had chosen to essentially “splash cash” on agency staff to fill deficits.

“Epworth executives have failed to listen to our suggestions to keep the unit running.”

Epworth said it had launched local and overseas recruitment campaigns but had not been able to attract the necessary staff.

St John of God Geelong Hospital chief executive Stephen Roberts said it had been working with affected obstetrics practices to ascertain how it could best support a transition of services.

“Our $7.6m maternity refurbishment is well under way and being delivered in a staged approach,” he said.

“We are extremely confident the additional capacity we are bringing … through new infrastructure and expanding our maternity unit’s footprint will support the growth of our service.”

“(We) would welcome the opportunity to work with midwives seeking alternate employment options, recognising … Epworth’s intention to continue providing services until March 31.”

Barwon Health spokeswoman Kate Bibby said many midwives from Epworth’s casual pool also worked shifts for the public service.

Barwon Health had encouraged them to apply for additional shifts or jobs, including permanent, temporary and casual positions, she said.

She said Barwon Health was aware of at least one patient who would give birth at Geelong hospital due to the Epworth closure.

“Our projections … indicate we have good capacity to care for more birthing mothers and babies over the coming months,” she said.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) said it had 64 nursing and midwifery members affected, including full-time, part-time and casual staff. It said it would continue to support those members, including helping to secure alternative work.

ANMF’s Paul Gilbert. (AAP Image/David Crosling)

ANMF Victorian branch acting secretary Paul Gilbert said Geelong hospital should not be viewed as a “plan B”.

“We encourage women and their families to embrace their local public maternity service and the committed midwives who work there,” he said.

Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the onus was on the state government to ensure the Barwon women’s and children’s hospital had adequate birthing suites to service a growing population.

A state government spokeswoman said work was under way on the new service.

The staged roll out is not expected to be completed until 2029.

“We are confident Geelong’s existing health services have the capacity and resources to ensure the continuation of safe maternity services,” the spokeswoman said.

Of the region’s three hospitals, it’s understood Epworth delivered the lowest number of babies.

Late last year, the provider said it delivered about 10 a week.

Originally published as What’s next for Epworth maternity staff