ANOTHER maternity ward in Queensland is at risk of being closed by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
Reports that maternity services in Innisfail could close will send shock waves through a regional community that has watched Labor close 38 maternity services across the state.
The concerning development comes as the Gladstone Maternity Crisis continues.
The Palaszczuk Government’s failure to return maternity services to Gladstone means women are being forced to opt for C-sections or make a risky trip up the Bruce Highway.
Since 1998 Labor has closed maternity services at Babinda, Mossman, Yeppoon, Mount Morgan, Moura, Springsure, Barcaldine, Blackall, Winton, Jandowae, Miles, Taroom, Texas, Wondai, Bowen, Clermont, Collinsville, Dysart, Moranbah, Kilcoy, Maleny, Mitchell, Quilpie, Weipa, Gayndah, Maryborough, Monto, Mundubbera, Gatton, Tully, Theodore, Nambour, Cunnamulla, Charters Towers and Gladstone, Biloela, Chinchilla and Cooktown are on bypass with uncertain futures.
During its last term of office, the LNP re-opened birthing services in three communities with a fourth underway.
Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said all Queenslanders deserved to have a world class health system no matter where they live.
“As a nurse and former hospital administrator, I know how dangerous it is for mums who don’t have access to urgent medical care during pregnancy,” Ms Bates said.
“This is a sad and sorry chapter in the Queensland health crisis.
“People in regional and rural Queensland are feeling like second class citizens. The mass-closure of maternity services aren’t the labour pains women were expecting in their hometown.
“After being in power for 22 of the last 25 years this crisis rests at the feet of the Labor Party.
“And after three terms Palaszczuk Government have given up on listening.
“It has been eight years of broken promises and eight years of the Labor Government overseeing the deterioration of our health system.
“Regional Queenslanders deserve better.”