MIDWIVES at Logan Hospital want community clinics put back where they belong – in the community.
Previous clinics at Eagleby, Springwood, Logan Central, Browns Plains, Crestmead and Beenleigh have been shut down by the State Government.
Midwife of 14 years Michael Hall said the issue of having no community clinics would prove ‘catastrophic’ for women delivering babies at Logan Hospital.
He said many women who accessed the community clinics would have no way of getting alternative care during their pregnancy.
“When they turn up to have the baby we won’t know if they have diabetes – if it’s uncontrolled the risks escalate,” he said.
“We would have no idea about their blood work, no idea where their placenta is, and that can be fatal.”
Another midwife Chris Baxter said there were great midwives at the hospital, whose workloads were going to explode.
“This issue is about access for women to see a midwife,” she said.
“This will significantly reduce the service in Logan, by 50%.”
Ms Baxter said Logan Hospital saw a number of women from socially diverse backgrounds and a high number whose first language was not English.
“How will these women access antenatal care?” she said.
“Some walk to the community centres, they have no transport to get to the hospital for care.
“This is going to have a massive impact.”
State Member for Waterford Michael Latter said the clinics were closed, consolidated and relocated to Logan Hospital.
“As a result, the Midwifery Group Practice is able to offer more appointments for women in our community,” he said.
“All women will continue to have access to antenatal appointments, which will be delivered from Logan Hospital.
“This change ensures women have the very best access to midwives and obstetricians in the one place, with faster access to referrals for specialists and quick access to emergency care if needed, all in the one location.”