Maternity ward to close, Cairns Hospital to take on extra services after November 1
NEW PLANS
Any Douglas Shire women booked in to give birth at Cairns Private Hospital in the coming months will now look to make alternative arrangements after the facilty confirmed its set to close its maternity service from November 1.
In a public statement just a short time ago a spokeperson said the hospital was "extremely disappointed to make this decision, however despite our best efforts we have been unable to recruit the obstetricians and paediatricians required to continue to safely operate the service".
"Safety is our first priority and without enough qualified doctors we are not able to provide the high level of care required to look after mothers and their babies.
"We understand this news will be really disappointing and even distressing to some patients. We will be working closely with our obstetricians and expecting parents to ensure everyone is aware of where they should go and who will be caring for them when they go into labour."
A short time after the announcement another major Cairns health facility, Cairns Hospital, confirmed its ready to take on, assist and accomodate any expectant mothers that need to make new arrangements following the recent development.
"Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) operates a comprehensive and safe maternity and birthing service for women across Far North Queensland," Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh said.
"The Health Service is working closely with Ramsay Health Care to methodically and safely transition maternity services for women who were planning to birth at the private hospital.
"The Health Service provides a well-resourced service that provides exemplar and safe care for mothers and their babies.
"We are proud of the maternity and obstetric services we provide to Far North Queenslanders and expectant mothers should feel confident they will always be in good hands at our facilities.
"On average each month, 187 babies are born at Cairns Hospital and each year more than 2,700 babies are safely delivered across our hospitals."