Gladstone Hospital bypass reaches 150 days amid car park emergency

A pregnant woman who suffered a medical emergency in the Gladstone Hospital car park has joined a growing list of patients impacted by the maternity unit bypass which has now extended beyond 150 days.

Staff inside Gladstone Hospital claim directives from the region’s health board is preventing them from returning to full maternity services and placing local expectant mothers in unnecessary danger.

It comes as The Observer can reveal a pregnant woman suffered a medical emergency in the Gladstone Hospital car park and staff broke protocols to summon an obstetrician to treat the patient in theatre locally.

Exactly 150 days after a full bypass was declared for Gladstone’s maternity unit, women are still required to travel to Rockhampton to give birth, with the exception of planned Caesareans, which were reinstated in October.

On Monday, the maternity unit bypass declared by CQHHS for the Gladstone Hospital surpassed the 150 day milestone. Picture: Nilsson Jones

The Central Queensland Health and Hospital Service maintains that obstetric and gynaecology staff shortages are a statewide problem, but Gladstone has been uniquely impacted by specialists on long-term sick leave.

However, hospital staff claim directives implemented under the bypass, which include not allowing Gladstone to have specialists on-call and running services through Rockhampton management, are now preventing the maternity unit from returning to full operations and making it “dangerous” for local women.

A private obstetrician was secured in October, working three days a week in Gladstone, and it is understood specialist levels have recovered as staff return from Rockhampton.

The Executive Director of Obstetrics has also returned to Gladstone but travels to Rockhampton every fortnight.

Maternity Consumer Network director, Alecia Staines said there was clear evidence of centralisation within Central Queensland but claims the health service does not want to announce the policy as it anticipates community opposition.

Maternity Consumer Network Director, Alecia Staines said locals must keep the pressure on to force change for the maternity unit bypass. Picture: News Corp

“I have been told three specialists have resigned from Rockhampton recently and all of their positions have been filled, so I think it’s ridiculous to continue to use specialist shortages as an excuse, because they haven’t been affected at all,” Ms Staines said.

“I don’t think they have any intention of fixing Gladstone, I think it will be a death by a thousand cuts.

“I’m in constant contact with staff at Gladstone and there’s no confidence in services being restored so I think it’s ridiculous to suggest they’re coming back soon,” she said.

When a pregnant woman suffered a medical emergency in the hospital’s car park last month, the emergency department allegedly did not immediately contact a locally-based specialist, due to protocols, and had to deliberate with staff in Rockhampton.

It is understood a Gladstone midwife then broke protocol and contacted the private obstetrician requesting their help.

The obstetrician then assisted the patient in theatre but hospital staff say due to the bypass “nonsense” there was a gap in her care.

One staff member told The Observer, under the condition of anonymity, that the Hospital has doctors available every day of the week but they can’t be on-call “because Rockhampton said so”.

“They talk about having a ‘sustainable on-call roster’, I’d like them to explain what that is when we have doctors here seven days a week,” the staff member said.

“We’re a really cohesive team in Gladstone and we just want women to be cared for close to home, there is so much evidence about the benefits of continuity of care and knowing your local midwives,” they said.

Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher said “the last thing he wanted to see” was women travelling north to give birth in Rockhampton on Christmas Eve, as he reaffirmed his commitment to returning local maternity services.

Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher standing outside the GEA conference speaking on the ongoing issues as the Gladstone Hospital maternity unit remains on bypass. Picture: Supplied (CH7 CQ)

“I’ve been in regular contact with CQHHS and I’m still making it loud and clear that my expectations is that we try and get the service back as soon as possible, and that includes before Christmas,” Mr Butcher said.

“They’re doing everything they possibly can and recruitment is going very well apparently.”

CQHHS chief executive Emma McCahon said the board was committed to returning birthing services when it was safe to do so while also delivering a long-term solution for maternity care across Central Queensland.

“It is important to note that a safe, 24-hour birthing service, can only be provided when a full birthing care team is available,” Ms McCahon said.

“While we work towards the return to full services, we have made a number of short-term changes including upgrading equipment and fast-tracking recruitment of administrative and nursing positions to provide additional support to our maternity units.”

The Maternity Consumer Network is organising a ‘Gladstone Maternity Ward Rally’ outside Glenn Butcher’s electoral office later this month.