Cynthia Lui MP
Member for Cook
Media Release
Key equipment has begun arriving at the Weipa Integrated Health Facility as the new birthing service nears completion.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said construction of the new birthing suite facility will be finished in September, with birthing expected to begin later this year.
“This new birthing service nearing completion in Weipa is great news for local mums and families,” the Minister said.
“It will allow eligible women with low-risk pregnancies to be able to have their babies in Weipa rather than having to travel to Cairns or Townsville.
“Once fully operational, the birthing unit is expected to support up to 25 births a year initially.
“This is another great example of the Palasczuk Government investing in improved health services for Queenslanders in remote locations.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said:
“I’m particularly pleased that this new birthing service will give local mums the option of having their baby in Weipa.
“As the service expands, more women across the Western Cape will have the option to birth at Weipa if they are eligible.
“Two key pieces of equipment have recently arrived in Weipa including the bed for the birth suite and a Panda Neonatal Resuscitaire Unit.
“This unit has been generously donated by philanthropic health organisation the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and we thank them for their generosity.
“I’m proud to be part of a government which invests in birthing services for Cape residents and delivers improved health facilities where they’re needed.”
Torres and Cape HHS Executive General Manager South Ian Power said the recruitment drive for the new service was ongoing.
“A fifth midwife recently joined the team and a second GP with additional anaesthetics skills is due to start work later this month (August),” he said.
“We are building a highly qualified team and are very excited to begin birthing services in Weipa later this year.
“We are also currently advertising for a number of nursing positions with either operating theatre experience or a willingness to obtain these skills to further support the birthing service.’’
BACKGROUND
A low-risk birthing service allows women who do not have a complex medical and obstetric history and who do not experience a complex antenatal period to be cared for locally if they choose.
Women with higher risk pregnancies must continue to travel to Cairns or another larger centre where they can access more specialised care to give birth safely.
Media contact: Cook Electorate Office 4223 1100
