Editorial: Gladstone Hospital’s dire situation has gone on too long

Every state government endures controversies in the health portfolio, but what is happening with Gladstone Hospital is a complete failure to react appropriately to what is a genuine crisis, writes the editor.

The situation at Gladstone Hospital has gone on for far too long, and Health Minister Yvette D’Ath needs to act.

Every state government endures controversies in the health portfolio.

Many are largely unavoidable – for instance, the pressure on emergency departments, ambulances and hospital capacity during the pandemic.

But what is happening with Gladstone Hospital is a complete failure to react appropriately to what is a genuine crisis.

Today, The Sunday Mail reveals that healthy, expectant mums from the Gladstone region are so fearful of travelling to Rockhampton to give birth they are demanding elective C-sections.

Because maternity services at the hospital are on bypass, many mothers are being transported to Rockhampton via ambulance to give birth.

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Maternity services at Gladstone Hospital are on bypass.

This is a town of more than 60,000 people – a town that has pumped millions into the economy over the years as a result of the resources boom.

Yet, women cannot give birth there and instead face a more than one-hour trip to Rockhampton when they go into labour.

It is unacceptable. C-sections come with risks – it is major abdominal surgery, after all.

The situation in Gladstone is now being described as a “national disgrace”, and it is hard to argue against that.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Josh Woning

President of National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Gino Pecorao has warned that maternity in Queensland is in the worst state he has ever seen.

“The time for talking has passed and urgent action is needed to repair what has become a medical emergency and must surely be a source of great embarrassment to the premier and health minister of this state,” Prof Pecoraro said.

We agree. Ms D’Ath must explain how she is going to fix this situation before this crisis gets any worse.