Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment: Safety concerns around new birthing unit’s baths

Before Campbelltown Hospital’s new birthing unit was opened, staff raised concerns about the design elements of one crucial facility, the union has claimed. But, they say, nothing was done.

A new birthing unit formed part of the massive multimillion-dollar redevelopment at a southwest Sydney hospital, but a crucial facility for mothers in labour cannot be used due to “safety concerns”.

In July, the first baby was born in Campbelltown Hospital’s new and expanded birthing unit, part of the $632 million stage two project. The unit is located in the new 12-storey building, the centrepiece of the hospital’s redevelopment.

Just weeks after it was opened to the public, NewsLocal can reveal mothers have been unable to use the baths for water births or pain relief due to safety concerns around the design of the walls.

Michael Whaites, the assistant general secretary for the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, said during the consultation process, some of the midwifery members were able to walk through the new build and raised their “safety concerns” with the wall design of the baths.

“Unfortunately, nothing was done at the time or prior to moving into the new maternity unit,” he said.

Michael Whaites, Assistant General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association.

“There’s now a process in place for all midwives to give feedback on the placement, potential issues and alternatives.

“Unfortunately this is not the first time we’ve had a situation where our members’ advice has not been listened to when it comes to new builds.”

Mr Whaites, who is also a midwife, explained that water is a natural pain relief for many women and not having access to this is difficult, not only for the women but also for the midwives.

He added that water plays an important role in relaxation as the more women are able to submerge in labour, the less pressure and discomfort they experience.

“Our members tell us that the majority of local women have been very understanding, disappointed but understanding,” Mr Whaites said.

“The brand new state of the art unit looks amazing, but until midwives are able to use it to its full potential it’s a disappointment and feels like a pipe dream.”

A Currans Hill expectant mother, who preferred to remain anonymous, is eagerly awaiting the birth of her first child at the end of October.

She has been seeing a midwife at Camden Hospital but had planned to give birth at the new birthing suites at Campbelltown Public Hospital, but found out at a recent check-up that the baths had been built incorrectly and are deemed unsafe for use.

Aerial images of Campbelltown Hospital after the completion of the new clinical services building in 2022. Picture: Craig Willoughby SKYview Aerial

“This is very disappointing considering this was one of the main forms of pain relief I was considering as well as very much wanting a water birth, which is now not an option,” she said.

“By not giving women access to baths during labour and birth, pain relief and choices in birth options becomes limited and means women are more likely to be forced into medical interventions through labour or birth such as needing to have an epidural.”

The expectant mother said she had been looking forward to a “positive and empowered birth experience through the public system”, and was now incredibly upset and frustrated.

“The birthing unit is completely brand new and they would have spent so much money on it but the baths cannot be used, it does not make sense,” she said.

“I have been looking into other options for a water birth but it seems like it would have to be on me to organise or even pay extra for it.”

Campbelltown MP Greg Warren said the safety issue with the walls was an “avoidable mistake” and a “serious oversight” in the build of the hospital.

“Both my sons were born at Campbelltown Hospital and I remember the staff being fantastic,” he said.

“But, it’s already a stressful time for mums and new mums going in to have their baby and every measure should have been taken to make that as least stressful as it possibly can.

“That includes having the adequate options in place when it comes to giving birth.”

Greg Warren outside Campbelltown Hospital.

Mr Warren said considering the hospital cost more than $600 million, planning processes should have recognised a mistake like this and fixed it before construction. He said the government needed to make fixing the issue a priority.

“We don’t want new mums suffering any anxiety, so we need to have these facilities available,” Mr Warren said.

A South West Sydney Local Health District spokeswoman said the number of baths available to women in the new birthing unit had almost doubled and it was waiting on the delivery of supplies to mount the necessary safety rails.

“Campbelltown Hospital is first and foremost committed to providing safe maternity care for its patients that achieves desirable health outcomes for both mother and baby,” the spokeswoman said.

“Essential to this commitment is ensuring slip protection and stability to women and their support person during labour and birth as they enter and exit birthing baths.

“Installation will commence in October. We apologise again to women who wish to use the baths and have been offering a shower alternative to labouring mothers to provide directed warm pressure relief, along with a range of other alternatives to manage pain.”

The SWSLHD did not respond to questions about what other options the hospital has for mothers hoping to have a water birth, and when they were made aware of the issue.