Pambula doctors confirm they will not deliver babies at Bega Hospital

Pambula's four GP obstetricians have again confirmed they will not participate in the obstetrics roster at Bega Hospital under the proposed single maternity unit model proposed for the Bega Valley, once their resignations from the obstetrics roster at Pambula Hospital take effect in mid-December.

Local Pambula GP obstetrician, Dr Rob Morton, told the Rural Doctors Association of NSW (RDA NSW) that 2 of the 4 GP obstetricians in Pambula have also resigned from all VMO duties at Pambula Hospital in protest at the methodical reduction of services there over the past 5 years leading to the closure of the maternity unit.

Consequently, they will not be available to provide any hospital-based care-including emergency and inpatient care-at Pambula Hospital come mid-December.

We have been advised that, from mid-December, no Pambula doctors will be travelling to Bega to deliver babies either through the private or public system" acting President of RDA NSW, Dr Ian Kamerman, said.

"It is clinically, professionally and legally irresponsible for the Greater Southern Area Health Service to expect Pambula's doctors to simply move their obstetric practice to a town an hour's round trip away, particularly when there is an obvious need to keep both the Pambula and Bega maternity units open.

"This expectation totally undervalues and misunderstands the role of rural GP obstetricians in the management of labour, when on many occasions two or more visits are required by an obstetrician during the birthing process. It is not simply a case of driving to Bega once for the delivery, staying for five minutes, and then driving back to Pambula. It doesn't happen that way.

"Keep in mind too that these doctors are not just obstetricians-they are also the area's local GPs. If they were to participate in the Bega obstetrics roster they would have patients lining up to see them in their surgeries as they travel up and down the Princes Highway between Pambula and Bega-it is a plan that just won't work.

"It is ridiculous that the Pambula maternity unit-which sees around 120 deliveries a year-should be shut down when it is one of the best medically resourced units in the country, with 4 experienced rural obstetricians and anaesthetics cover.

"We have little faith in the Greater Southern Area Health Service delivering on its plan to provide more obstetricians for Bega Hospital when it cannot even ensure an adequate supply of midwives or theatre nurses to Pambula, the alleged reason for Pambula maternity unit's closure.

"We have seen too many rural maternity units in NSW either already shut down or under constant threat of being downgraded. The rot has to stop.

"All those living in Pambula, Merimbula, Eden, Mallacoota and the surrounding region deserve access to fully-staffed maternity care and emergency care at their closest hospital-and that hospital is located in Pambula.

"We again call upon the NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, to prevent the closure of Pambula Hospital's valued maternity unit before the Bega Valley loses the services of 4 experienced rural GP obstetricians."

Available for interview: Acting RDA NSW President, Dr Ian Kamerman, on 0427 241 900.

RDA NSW Secretary, Dr Paul Mara, on 0412 486 536.

Local Pambula doctor, Dr Rob Morton, on 0428 246 903.

Alternative media contact: Patrick Daley on 0408 004 890.