The Queensland Government is delivering on another key election commitment, with birthing services at both Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service and Biloela Hospital to return from Monday 14 September after being shut down in 2022.

The return of planned birthing services means that more local mums will be able to have their babies closer to home, as part of the Queensland Government’s plan to deliver health services when Queenslanders need them.

Birthing is returning to Cooktown Multipurpose Health Service following sustained workforce development and recruitment by Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

This includes the hiring of additional obstetric-trained Rural Generalists to complement the Cooktown medical team, with the health service having already recruited the midwives and anaesthetic-trained Rural Generalists required to support the service.

Eligible women in Biloela and across the Banana region will also be able to welcome their babies closer to home, after extensive preparation and consultation with the local community by Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.

The Queensland Government fast-tracked infrastructure upgrades, in addition to new staff accommodation to help attract and retain a local health workforce.

Premier David Crisafulli said the return of local birthing was a significant milestone for both communities and was part of delivering health services when Queenslanders need them.

“We made a commitment to regional Queenslanders we’d restore these services and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“I was born in a small country hospital so delivering on this commitment is deeply personal for me.”

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said significant work to strengthen local workforces, clinical capability and infrastructure was key to ensuring birthing could return in a safe and sustainable way.

“We’ve made targeted investments to recruit more clinicians and improve local facilities to ensure the safe return of birthing services to these communities,” Minister Nicholls said.

“This is about delivering on our commitment to regional Queensland and making sure women and families can access quality maternity and birthing care closer to home and their support systems.”

Member for Cook David Kempton said families who previously would have needed to travel to Cairns from 4 to 6 weeks prior to the birth of their babies may no longer need to do so thanks to these vital services being restored.

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Rex O’Rourke said the return of birthing was an important milestone for the region.

“We expect approximately 40 births each year from Cooktown and surrounding communities,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“Of course, women may still choose to birth elsewhere, however, for the first time in many years they once again have the choice to birth locally.”

Member for Callide Bryson Head said the Queensland Government has invested in upgrades to the birthing suite and theatre, as well as brand new staff accommodation to help attract more clinicians to our region.

Central Queensland Health Chief Executive Lisa Blackler welcomed the significant and positive step for local families and the Biloela community.

“With referrals now open, local women can have conversations with their healthcare team about their individual circumstances and whether giving birth closer to home may be an option for them,” Ms Blackler said.

“We recognise the value of having maternity care available locally and what that means for families.”