Local advocacy group Support Birthing at Castlemaine Health (SBACH) and local GPS are extremely disappointed with the Castlemaine Health Board’s decision on Monday night to continue the suspension of birthing services until the beginning of its planned review, which was understood was not due to commence until next Friday June 5.
The move comes despite a 1000 plus strong community petition calling for services to resume whilst the review takes place.
SBACH spokesperson Arabella Davison said no response has been given to the community’s requests for details about why the Board commissioned the review, what concerns have been raised, or who has raised them.
Castlemaine Health has advised the Mail its planned review of its maternity services has now commenced.
Dr Rupert Sherwood has been appointed to lead the review.
Dr Sherwood is the Acting Clinical Services Director Women’s and Children’s Division at Western Health, and former president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
He has 20 years of experience as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Consultant and over 40 years as a medical practitioner, including 10 years as a GP obstetrician in Albany, Western Australia.
CEO Ian Fisher said with Dr Sherwood’s expertise and the support of Bendigo Health, it may be possible to reopen maternity services earlier than the July 1 date tabled. See the Mail for the full stories. Out now.