Whyalla Birthing Services review

A review was commissioned in July 2023 after birthing services at Whyalla Hospital and Health Service were suspended on 26 June 2023 due to a critical midwifery workforce shortage.

The review’s findings and eight recommendations into midwifery services at Whyalla Hospital and Health Service have been accepted in full by Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network (FUNLHN).

Recommendations include offering financial and training incentives to help attract midwives and midwifery managers to Whyalla, more flexible working options, improving senior leadership support and partnering with metropolitan hospitals.

Since the suspension of birthing services at Whyalla, FUNLHN has worked with all pregnant women who were due to use their service and arranged for them to give birth at appropriate alternative locations including Port Augusta and Adelaide. Antenatal and post-natal care has continued at Whyalla Hospital and medical staff have remained ready to respond to maternal emergencies on site.

Read the Whyalla Birthing Services Review – Executive Summary (PDF 280KB)

Download the full report Whyalla Birthing Services Review 2023 (PDF 1MB)

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Last updated: 29 Sep 2023

SA Health

Whyalla Birthing Services review

Acknowledgement of Country

Whyalla Birthing Services review

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