Gladstone Hospital maternity unit bypass leaves expectant parents, midwives distressed

Cradling her three-day-old baby Scarlett, Tina Vee seethes with anger as she sits among other new parents and hospital staff in the central Queensland industrial city of Gladstone. Key points: Expectant parents in Gladstone have to travel to Rockhampton to give birth Residents gathered at a community meeting to share their concerns Midwives in Gladstone say they're under severe psychological distress The Gladstone Hospital's maternity unit was placed on bypass in early July due to a lack of staff, meaning expectant parents needed to travel an hour and 20 minutes to the nearby city of Rockhampton to give birth. CQ Hospital and Health Service chief executive Emma McCahon said in a statement Gladstone Hospital had been impacted by long-term sick leave of obstetrics and gynaecology specialists. "Until qualified medical professionals can be recruited to cover long-term leave and vacancies, birthing services at Gladstone Hospital will remain on bypass," Dr McCahon said. Dr McCahon thanked the "wonderful team of skilled and dedicated midwives" and said the health service was committed to delivering a sustainable long-term solution for maternity care across central Queensland.