Opposition Leader Matthew Guy to visit Portland after extension of birthing suite closure

The Opposition Leader will visit the state’s south-west after Portland hospital reveals more mums impacted by birth suspension.

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy will be meeting with community members on Tuesday after Portland District Health revealed an extension of the town’s only birthing suite.

South West Coast Liberal MP Roma Britnell and Opposition Health spokesperson Georgie Crozier will join Mr Guy for a briefing on the crisis.

It comes after Portland District Health announced on May 28 that the initial three-month suspension of birthing services was due to a midwife shortage.

Mr Guy said residents were “being left behind” by the Andrews’ Victorian Government.

“This trip is about listening to the concerns of locals that have been let down and left behind by the current State Government,” Mr Guy said in a statement.

“Instead of urgent action from the government, Portland Health confirmed the closure would be extended, leaving locals without a vital service in the middle of a health crisis.

“We were all horrified to hear that the closure of Portland’s maternity services forced a mother to give birth on the side of the road.

“The Premier’s mismanagement of the health system has caused this mess and he’s not the person to get us out of it.”

PDH suspended birthing services in March, saying it would review the situation every six weeks as the hospital desperately tried to recruit more staff.

Jess Laws and her husband, Ben, were forced to deliver their baby on the roadside at Port Fairy last month.

“We were on the phone to triple-0 (and) the lady advised us to pull over and put our hazards on – but it wasn’t safe to do so – at that stage Astrid was starting to crown, I actually had my hand down my pants holding her in just stopping her from being born,” Ms Laws said.

The additional three-month suspension will affect 10 women — adding up to 41 women over the six months who were scheduled to give birth in Portland.

“PDH regrets to inform the community that it has extended the temporary pause on birthing suite services until September 1, due to the continued national shortage of midwives,” PDH said.

“PDH is determined to bring back birthing services as soon as it’s safe to do so and will continually review the situation to return it within the shortest time frame possible.”

Portland District Health. Picture: Supplied

Health Minister Martin Foley said the hospital was having a “temporary set of challenges,” following years of staff shortages, poor education and training opportunities and “flawed” strategic planning.

The hospital has appointed rural maternity consulting specialist Fiona Faulks to create a maternity model.

PDH also hired an anaesthetist and two locum midwives.

The hospital said it was working closely with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Association (ANMA) to create a roster to open services as quickly as possible.

PDH interim chief executive Karena Prevett said the suspension of birthing services was essential for health and safety.

“We understand this is disappointing for all of us in Portland but the temporary diversion is essential in ensuring clinical health and safety,” Ms Prevett said.

“The decision to extend the pause was made in consultation with our midwifery team. It takes into account staffing levels and patient needs, newly strengthened clinical assessment protocols, and enhanced collaboration with neighbouring health services.

“Our staff and midwives have done a terrific job in working with all families to support them over the last three months and that will of course continue. Our focus will be on supporting all women and their families affected and to do everything we can to resume the service.”

Jessa Laws who gave birth on the roadside between Portland and Warrnambool in Port Fairy, April 5 2022

Jessa Laws and Ben Laws newborn daughter Astrid Laws, who was born on the roadside between Portland and Warrnambool in Port Fairy, April 5 2022

Maternity services available at the hospital include midwives on call for emergency births, antenatal clinics, birthing classes and domiciliary care.

PDH is providing care plans for expecting mothers affected by the diversion.

The hospital is encouraging people to join its newly formed Maternity Services Community Advisory Group, which will contribute to the designing of maternity services in Portland.

Submissions for expressions of interest to join the group close June 7.