TODAY marks 300 days since the Palaszczuk Labor Government first closed Gladstone Hospital’s maternity ward, forcing mothers to travel more than 100 kilometres to give birth.

For the past 300 days many local mothers have had no choice but to race an hour up the Bruce Highway to Rockhampton, some while in labour, while others have been forced into elective caesarean sections.

Gladstone’s maternity services are just one casualty of the Queensland Health Crisis, with a total of 38 maternity wards closed under successive Labor Governments.

These closures mean many Queensland mothers are without safe local birthing options and are leaving many women with a genuine fear of giving birth on the side of the highway.

In Gladstone today, Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said Queensland mothers and families deserved better.

“In a city the size of Gladstone, it’s simply unacceptable for maternity services to be put on bypass for this long,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The inaction by the Premier, Health Minister and local member is a result of a Government that’s in a constant state of chaos and crisis.

“It’s another sad example of the Palaszczuk Government’s inability to plan, deliver and evaluate critical health services.

“In a modern Queensland, mums should be able to give birth when, where and how they want.

“We’re going to keep fighting until maternity services are restored to the levels Queenslanders deserve.”

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said the Health Minister had failed the mothers of Gladstone.

“For 300 days mothers and babies in Gladstone have been forced to play Russian roulette on a highway to give birth or been forced into caesareans,” Ms Bates said.

“For 300 days there’s been nothing but excuses from the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

“This is yet another damning indictment on the Health Minister’s appalling record.

“How is Yvette D’Ath going to fix her maternity crisis if she won’t listen to the mums of Central Queensland who have been affected by the chaos and crisis of her Government?

“While Queensland mums are travelling to different cities to give birth, the embattled Health Minister won’t even travel to Gladstone to meet them today.

“After 300 days, her time is up. She must resign today.

“This situation is too serious for more delays and excuses.

“The fact the LNP opened rural and regional birthing services during one term in office proves it can be done.”

Member for Callide Bryson Head said the Member for Gladstone had serious questions to answer.

“Glenn Butcher said he’d walk if maternity services weren’t restored,” Mr Head said.

“After 300 days, why hasn’t he honoured that promise?

“How many more babies will be born on the side of the road before the Palaszczuk Labor Government finally restores full services in Gladstone?

“My community needs action to address this crisis today.”