Health crisis town hall touring Gladstone as LNP highlight hospital maternity unit bypass and QNMU call for statewide health workforce

The LNP say the state government is treating Central Queensland with “absolute disdain” as the maternity unit bypass at Gladstone Hospital approaches the grim three-month milestone. Here’s what the peak nursing union says needs to change.

Gladstone’s maternity unit has remained on bypass for almost three months and now the peak nursing union is calling for a statewide health workforce to fill the gaps.

The LNP will host a ‘health crisis town hall’ in Gladstone this Friday demanding that Health Minister Yvette D’Ath reinstate birthing services at the Gladstone Hospital and request the state government provides real time information when services become unavailable.

The state’s peak nursing union says it remains concerned about the shortages of medical officers, including obstetricians, at the local hospital which contributed to the bypass being established on July 8.

THE QNMU met with nurses and midwives from the Gladstone Hospital last week to hear concerns from working staff about the bypass. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) secretary Beth Mohle said the decreased medical coverage has also decreased the ability for staff to provide safe and timely care.

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“Gladstone Hospital midwives are extremely passionate about their profession and the safety of women and the safe delivery of newborns in their care … they are keen to find a solution,” Ms Mohle said.

QLD Nurses and Midwives' Union secretary Beth Mohle said the bypass underscored the need for a statewide health workforce. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“We are working to put in place short, medium and long term actions to ensure women and staff safety and to resolve the concerns raised by midwives at the hospital,” she said.

“This situation underscores the need for a statewide health workforce plan to ensure that health professionals are available where and when Queenslanders need them.”

QNMU met with midwives from the Gladstone Hospital last week where attendees raised their concerns.

The Union then formally wrote to CQHHS escalating the ongoing issues and invited them to collaborate, another meeting is scheduled to happen soon.

Callide MP Bryson Head said the Health Minister has not responded to his requests for health services to be reinstated in the electorates of Callide or Gladstone. Picture: Sarah Marshall

It comes as LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli and shadow health minister Ros Bates will visit Gladstone this Friday to hear from locals and health workers about their experiences under the maternity unit bypass.

Callide MP, Bryson Head said the state government is treating Gladstone with “absolute disdain” and the region gives so much more than it gets, reflecting on the lack of health services.

“The Premier keeps ducking and weaving, trying to focus on everything other than the health crisis and failures under her watch, while mums of Central Queensland don‘t have access to basic local health services, right here, right now,” Mr Head said.

“They are having to pack up, leave home and their loved ones and travel hours at great personal expense to give birth,” he said.

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Mount Larcom dad, Paul Sorensen and his wife recently endured an overnight drive from Gladstone to Rockhampton to give birth to their daughter after they were turned away. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Mr Head also called out Gladstone MP, Glenn Butcher saying he was putting his ministerial duties above his responsibility to local residents.

“The member for Gladstone remains silent and doesn‘t front up to community meetings, citing ministerial duties … It‘s time he put his community before his job and stand with them in calling out the failures of this State Government,” Mr Head said.

Mr Butcher’s office was approached for comment.

“Since Gladstone hospital went on bypass, I have been working hard to have birthing services fully returned,” Mr Butcher said.

“I’m regularly meeting with the Health Minister, her chief of staff, Director General and CQHHS board members.

“I am also constantly engaging with private contractors and am confident an obstetrician will be employed to work in Gladstone in the very near future.

“Finding skilled people to fill these positions is a nationwide issue.

“I am committed to getting expectant mothers in Gladstone the very best care and am continuing to meet with locals who have contacted my office with concerns about this situation.

“It needs to be stressed that the safety of expectant mothers and their babies is the highest priority.”