‘Oh, baby!’: Birthing services to resume in Cooktown

Newborns’ first cries will echo through Cooktown Hospital again starting in June next year, ending a longstanding fight to bring birthing services back to southern Cape York.

Cooktown midwife, Anna Humphrey and southern Cape York mum Stephanie Henebery with her young bub.

Newborns’ first cries will echo through Cooktown Hospital again starting in June next year, ending a longstanding fight to bring birthing services back to southern Cape York.

Since February 2022, expectant mums have been forced to travel to Cairns after services ceased in the region due to difficulties retaining staff and claims of a “toxic” workplace.

A new recruitment campaign will be launched to attract rural generalist GPs in obstetrics, supporting approximately 40 births a year for women across Cape York.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service chief executive Rex O’Rourke said an earlier recruitment drive successfully appointed two rural specialists, who will start early next year.

“Providing services that are both clinically and culturally safe, as well as sustainable, has always been the highest priority for TCHHS,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“We will remain focused on these goals as we work to resume birthing services in Cooktown.

“Delivering care closer to home is crucial for closing the gap in healthcare access, and I am thrilled that we should soon have all the birthing services operational within TCHHS after facing recruitment challenges in recent years.”

Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui, Premier Steven Miles, southern Cape York mum Stephanie Henebery, Cooktown midwife, Anna Humphrey, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service chief executive Rex O'Rourke at Cairns Hospital. Picture: Annette Dew

Giving First Nations families access to birthing services either on country, or closer to home was an important step, Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said.

“The Cooktown birthing … will serve Cape York communities including Cooktown, Wujal Wujal, Hope Vale, Laura, and Lakeland,” Ms Lui said.

“A significant number of these pregnant women will no longer need to travel to Cairns to give birth once birthing services resume in Cooktown.

“This will allow women to have their babies closer to home, which we know is culturally important and safer for First Nations women.’’

Midwives, medical staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, allied health professionals and administrators currently support women accessing birthing services in Cairns or elsewhere TCHHS director of midwifery, Michelle O’Connor said.

“I understand the challenges faced by women and their families in the Cooktown

area during the temporary suspension of birthing services,” Ms O’Connor said.

“The Midwifery Group Practice team has provided excellent antenatal and postnatal care throughout this period, and we have recently recruited a highly experienced Midwifery Unit manager to lead this team.”

A $200m redevelopment of the Cooktown Multi Purpose Health Service was announced in this year’s state budget. Picture: Peter Carruthers

In April, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced the recommencement of birthing services in Weipa following extensive delays.

A $200m redevelopment of the Cooktown Multi Purpose Health Service was announced in this year’s state budget.

A $54m Thursday Island Hospital redevelopment was officially opened last week. The hospital delivers around 100 babies each year.

Originally published as ‘Oh, baby!’: Birthing services to resume in Cooktown