Crisis hits Sunshine Coast Hospital’s intensive care unit for babies

One of Queensland's major hospitals has suspended care for its most vulnerable patients in an unprecedented crisis.

The latest crisis is gripping Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Health care for very vulnerable newborns was placed on bypass at one of the state’s biggest tertiary hospitals in a new low for Queensland’s health crisis.

Level-five neonatal services, which include intensive care for very ill, low-weight and premature babies, were unable to safely accept more patients at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for three days at the end of June.

Health authorities claim the hospital could not cope with the influx of babies with high medical needs but insist all of the neonates received proper medical care.

Maternity consumer advocates have called the blocked services a devastating blow for already very distressed mothers.

Maternity Consumer Network’s Alecia Staines said: “It is a huge concern and stress for women whose babies are our most vulnerable and need intensive and round the clock care to save their lives.

“It’s not only a concern that the whole family unit may need transferring to another location- which is stressful and costly but shocking for life-threatening situations for babies.”

Ms Staines said that every minute counts when it comes to sick neonates.

The highly specialised care at level five requires at least one suitably qualified and experienced

nurse for every two ventilated neonates or those having other clinical interventions.

The nurse must be skilled in neonatal resuscitation, stabilisation and examination.

In 2024, there were 3329 babies born at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Level-five services look after premature babies born at less than 29 weeks gestation and newborns who weigh under 1000g.

A Sunshine Coast Health spokesman said the temporary measure was put in place in response to the high volume and acuity of babies being admitted.

“All of our hospitals act as a network and we work closely with our hospitals to ensure all patients continue to receive the care they need,” he said,

The neonatal unit provides care for the Sunshine Coast Health region and surrounding health services.

The spokesman said that patient safety was the highest priority and the hospital will only enact the safe transfer of our littlest patients when we need to.

“It’s important to emphasise that these babies and their families still received safe, appropriate

care either here at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, or at another Queensland Health

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” the spokesman said.