The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) acknowledge the return of planned birthing services to Biloela but are concerned Rural Generalist and General Practitioner obstetricians and anaesthetists are not embedded in the service’s current model.
Birthing returned to Biloela Hospital this week as a Level 2 service for eligible women with uncomplicated pregnancies, following the suspension of local birthing in 2022.
Women requiring more complex maternity care, an epidural, or operative delivery will need to be transferred to a higher-level service. The closest higher-level maternity service is Gladstone Hospital, approximately 120kms away, creating potentially grave risks for mothers and babies requiring urgent care during an obstetric emergency.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin recognises the commitment of the Biloela maternity team and community.
“Any opportunity for women to give birth safely, closer to home is a positive step,” Dr Martin says.
“However, reopening a service is only the beginning. The workforce model must support continuity of care, clinical escalation, and the broad capability rural hospitals need when complications arise.
“This level of care, even if not common, needs a comprehensive team. RGOs and GPOs can bridge that gap.
“The Rural Generalist model – as seen in Weipa and Cooktown for example - is proven, sustainable, high-quality, and designed by and for rural and remote communities.
RANZCOG President Dr Nisha Khot says careful assessment can identify most women likely to have an uncomplicated birth, but maternity services must also be prepared when circumstances change.
“Complications can develop quickly and unexpectedly during pregnancy, labour, or birth,” Dr Khot says.
“Women need confidence that appropriately trained specialists are available and that clear, tested escalation and transfer pathways are in place if their care needs change.
“A sustainable maternity service requires strong clinical governance, a skilled multidisciplinary workforce, and close links with higher-level obstetric, anaesthetic, paediatric, and neonatal services.”
The Colleges are seeking further detail about Biloela’s medical staffing, clinical governance, emergency response and transfer arrangements, and long-term workforce plan.
“Women and families in Biloela deserve a maternity service that is safe, sustainable, and able to build greater local capability over time,” Dr Martin says.
“We encourage the Queensland Government and Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service to build Rural Generalist obstetric and anaesthetic capability into Biloela’s service as it develops.”