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Closure of birthday at hospital

Posted By Pregnant and unhappy

"Closure of birthday at hospital"

About: Collie Hospital / Maternity and Delivery

(as a service user),

During my 39th week of pregnancy I found out that birthing had been suspended at Collie District Hospital. This is so disappointing for me and, I believe, our local community. Bunbury hospital is the next closest hospital, however Bunbury is already has such a busy hospital with high case loads/waitlists/ and fast bed turnover. It's very upsetting to see a lovely maternity ward like the one at collie hospital go unused when we know there is such a shortage of beds in hospitals through WA. In my opinion, this close will impact our communities ability to access safe and reliable maternal care, and may lead to adverse outcomes for many families. 

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Responses

Response from Amy Gumbrell, Regional Clinical Midwifery Consultant , WACHS, WA Country Health Service 4 days ago
Amy Gumbrell
Regional Clinical Midwifery Consultant , WACHS,
WA Country Health Service

Submitted on 10/10/2025 at 7:48 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 13/10/2025 at 9:50 AM

Dear Pregnant and unhappy,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and your concerns.

We completely understand how upsetting this would have been to learn you were not able to birth your baby at Collie District Hospital as planned, particularly with it being so close to your due date.

We recognise how important it is to remain close to home at such an important time and appreciate how this may have created additional stress for you and your family. We sincerely apologise for this.

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is committed to ensuring all mothers and babies receive care in an environment that is safe and appropriately staffed.

There are currently some unforeseen staffing challenges at Collie District Hospital, but please be assured we are working hard to identify strategies to provide the Collie community with high-quality, safe and sustainable maternity care.

In the meantime, Bunbury Regional Hospital remains the safest option to birth.

Furthermore, we would like to assure you that once you have birthed at Bunbury, we can arrange for you to be transferred to Collie for the postnatal period (once cleared for transfer).

If you would like to arrange a visit and discuss further, please contact Katrina Jones (Bunbury Maternity Clinical Nurse Manager) on 9722 1337 or the Bunbury Maternity Ward Coordinator on 9722 1275.

We really appreciate your feedback as it helps us to understand the needs of the community and will be considered as part of ongoing planning and evaluation. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts and for advocating for safe and quality care in the Collie community.

You are also welcome to contact me directly via email amy.gumbrell@health.wa.gov.au or on 0436 005 881 to discuss this further, and how we can meet your needs now and after the birth of your child, and to help in minimising inconvenience to you and your family.

Warm regards,

Amy Gumbrell

Regional Clinical Midwifery Consultant
South West Midwifery Group Practices: Bunbury, Warren Blackwood, Collie & Margaret River
WA Country Health Service - South West

Ph: 0436 005 881
Email: amy.gumbrell@health.wa.gov.au

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