An update issued to The Times from the Milton Birthing Service Committee has confirmed level one birthing services will continue into 2017 with the introduction of a seven-day midwifery services early next year. 

A community forum held on August 12 saw a commitment from Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) to return Milton-Ulladulla Hospital birthing services “as soon as possible”.

However, months have the rolled past as the group continues to tick bureaucratic boxes to ensure the vital service, operating not long ago, is not lost again. 

“Since our first group meetings commenced in September the committee has made considerable progress and have now completed the underpinning framework to support a Level 1 Service to the Milton Ulladulla Community with a view to then commence work to progress MUH to a Level 2 service,” the statement said. 

Community representative Rebecca Cameron said the group was “feeling the pressure to get stuff done”.

“The biggest amount of work comes from all the safety checks,” she said.

“You need to make sure all the services are operating within the correct framework. 

“We need to ensure communication and continuity of care are operating correctly so no-one slips through the cracks.

The group said it was pleased with progress and thanked the community for its patience.

The group is currently developing a survey for women who have had their babies over the past 12 months regarding the process.

Dr Lilly Chen, Dr Mieke Flore and supporting midwifery staff have commenced maternity skill rotations at Shoalhaven Hospital. 

To contact the group’s community representatives email Sunnee Ord at savematernitymiltonhospital@gmail.com or phone Rebecca Cameron on 0438 603 326.