Continued push for Biloela birthing services amid hospital upgrade announcement

The Biloela and surrounding communities are continuing their year long push for birthing services amid a hospital upgrade announcement.

There are new rules around maternity units due to COVID-19

As the Biloela community bands together to petition the State Government for an end to the local hospital’s year long maternity bypass, the health minister has announced the facility will receive upgrades.

It is understood there will be a “redevelopment” of some of the hospital, with plans to build on existing infrastructure rather than a new building.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has not outlined exactly how the new hospital will resolve the maternity crisis, now or into the future.

Although the upgrade has been described by Ms Fentiman and Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Dr Emma McCahon as a “new hospital”, it will be an upgrade funded by the government’s $1.038 billion Building Rural and Remote Health Program.

Planning is set to begin immediately and construction is expected to start in 2024.

“Our frontline workers deserve modern facilities and theatres, and these upgrades will help attract and retain key specialists,” Ms Fentiman said.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - OCTOBER 12, 2023. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman speaks during Question Time at Parliament House in Brisbane.Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

Almost 13 months ago, the Biloela area lost its last operational maternity ward.

Biloela and surrounding communities are pushing back against the lack of birthing services in the region with a petition to reinstate the region’s maternity ward.

Organiser of the petition and advocate for the unit’s reinstatement, Katelyn Craig, said maternity services were a requirement for the safety and wellbeing of the community.

“Twelve months of bypass is really disappointing,” Ms Craig said.

Katelyn Craig and her son, Dougy. Picture: Supplied.

“My family have lived here for generations and have had better services 50 years ago compared to what mothers in Biloela have now.”

Callide MP Bryson Head believes the issue with the maternity services has not been resolved given a lack of political push-back.

“They fixed the Gladstone maternity ward because it was a political problem, but Biloela remains on bypass,” Mr Head said.

The lack of birthing services in Biloela does not only impact the town of more than 5000 people, but has flow on effects into neighbouring towns including Monto, Moura and Theodore.

Callide MP Bryson Head opposite Rockhampton Hospital speaking about maternity services.

“Not to mention the professional loss this has inflicted on the community,” he said.

“Since this bypass started, qualified staff and their families have left town to pursue their chosen careers.”

Ms Fentiman said the existing health facilities in these towns have served their communities well but they are ageing and in need of replacement.

Consultant procurement for Biloela Hospital is currently underway and once finalised Queensland Health will award contracts for project managers and Designers.

Planning will begin immediately, and construction is expected to commence mid 2024, weather and approvals permitting.

CQHHS Chief Executive Dr Emma McCahon. Picture: Aden Stokes

Dr McCahon said she was thrilled that Biloela is to receive a new hospital.

“The current facility has been in use for many years, and it will be wonderful to have a contemporary new hospital that will support our great staff as they continue to deliver their great care to the Biloela community,”she said.