MLHD says it has no plans to cut maternity services at Cootamundra Hospital following MP Steph Cooke’s petition. Photo: Orbon Alija.
The maternity wards at Cootamundra Hospital will remain in service, says Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), despite suggestions last year that they would be scaled back.
Cootamundra residents rallied to save the maternity wards at Cootamundra Hospital after being told in June 2024 a number of health services would be cut under the MLHD draft health services plan.
Riverina MP Michael McCormack said at the time the “bureaucrats should pull their bloody heads in and realise that this community needs maternity services”.
However, MLHD now says it has no plans to cut maternity, theatre or other services at Cootamundra Health Service following NSW MP Steph Cooke’s petition against the proposed cuts.
“I’m hopeful that the MLHD will continue to recognise the importance of retaining these vital services well into the future,” Ms Cooke said.
“I’m confident that the overwhelming response to my petition, Protect Regional and Rural Health Services in NSW, and unity exhibited by the entire Cootamundra electorate, helped persuade the NSW Government to reverse its position regarding the closure of Cootamundra’s Pathology lab.”
The petition called for parliament to maintain Cootamundra Health Services.
“The petition will be debated on 5 June in the NSW Parliament, with the aim of reinstating essential drugs and equipment to all non-category A and B NSW ambulance stations and vehicles and supporting regional communities across the state to prevent the loss of other services such as maternity and theatre,” Ms Cooke said.
“MLHD is committed to providing high quality, timely and appropriate care to the people of Cootamundra,” an MLHD spokesperson said.
NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) said the maternity wards at Cootamundra Hospital were working at full capacity and was confident MLHD would continue to maintain maternity services.
“Cootamundra still offers local women the opportunity to have quality maternity care under a shared care system between midwives and the local GP/obstetrician,” NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Michael Whaites said.
“The current care provided through the maternity, surgical and emergency departments has not ceased, and are still required with the growing community that the local abattoir has brought to the town. We are confident Murrumbidgee Local Health District will maintain these services.”
The maternity ward was recently redesigned, and nurses and midwives at Cootamundra Hospital work regular rostered hours, with midwives put on an on-call basis to cover any gaps in staffing.
“All equipment is well maintained, and with the recent transition to improved CTGs, these are now digital, allowing for cross checking across the local health district as needed,” Mr Whaites said.
“Women are provided with up-to-date information and resources through the antenatal clinics, as well as during the postnatal period.”
