Obstetrician’s ‘very strong response’ to Gladstone maternity crisis
A Queensland obstetrician is hopeful a positive outcome for Gladstone Hospital’s maternity services can be achieved.
The unit has been on bypass since last July due to a lack of staff, forcing expectant mothers to have either an elective caesarean section or drive an hour to Rockhampton.
Four obstetricians have been hired but it’s unclear when they’ll start and whether they’ll be based at Gladstone or Rockhampton Hospital.
It follows claims from the National Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that previous staff left, due to poor treatment.
Obstetrician and gynaecologist Gino Pecoraro told Sofie Formica he believes there’s still a good chance for a positive outcome.
“If they get this right, if they actually fix it so that women can access safe maternity services in Queensland, this model can be rolled out across the whole country.
“Our Queensland politicians can come out of it as heroes, rather than what they are coming out of it [as].”
But when asked whether the government is giving itself the best chance to find that solution, Dr Pecoraro wasn’t so optimistic.
Sofie Formica: “Are there enough of the right people at the table, Gino?”
Gino Pecoraro: “Well, I wasn’t invited.”
Sofie Formica: “Sometimes I think looking at it from the outside in, you wonder who it is that’s making the decisions.”
Gino Pecoraro: “Hmm. Yes, I agree.”
Sofie Formica: “Oh, you’re going to leave it at that? I’ll take your lack of response as a very strong response…”
Press PLAY below to hear the full interview
Image: 9News