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The maternity ward

Posted By novemberhb34

"The maternity ward"

About: Busselton Health Campus / Maternity Unit, Childbirth & Parenting Education

(as the patient),

Because I understand that Busselton Hospital Maternity ward is short staffed I went and got a private midwife so i could get consistent care during my pregnancy. On the day i went into labour i was left with the choice of leaving the hospital or having a C-section. I was reassured in previous visits that as long as i was willing to be monitored with machines i would be allowed to labour and attempt a VBAC at Busselton Hospital. I noticed there were also lots of machines that were broken. The machine that measures your baby in the operating theatre, the hearing test machine for the baby, the monitor that goes on the baby's foot. I think it’s all a bit unprofessional, it doesn't make you feel like you’re getting the best quality care. My baby still hasn't got their hearing tested. The nurses were lovely and did their absolute best. I overheard the nurses being told one night they couldn't have a meal break because there wasn't enough staff. Often when i needed to be given my pain medication it took a while because they needed to find a second nurse and they couldn't find one. It made me feel like i shouldn't call for help because the nurses had a-lot on their hands already. 

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Responses

Response from Marnie Bilsby, Clinical Nurse Manager, Maternity, Busselton Health Campus 3 days ago
Marnie Bilsby
Clinical Nurse Manager, Maternity,
Busselton Health Campus

Submitted on 6/03/2026 at 7:04 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 9/03/2026 at 9:58 AM

Hi novemberhb34,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of the maternity unit at Busselton Health Campus, and congratulations on the birth of your baby.

We are sorry to hear that aspects of your experience caused concern. We appreciate you recognising the efforts of our midwives, who work hard to provide safe and compassionate care, particularly during busy periods.

We understand how important it is for women to feel supported and confident in the care they receive during labour and following the birth of their baby. Your comments about staffing pressures, delays in receiving medication, and concerns regarding equipment are important, and feedback such as this helps us identify areas where we can improve both patient experience and the resources available to support care.

As the Clinical Midwifery Manager, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further about your experience so I can better understand your concerns and continue to improve our service. If you are comfortable doing so, please feel free to contact via the the maternity unit at Busselton Health Campus and ask to speak with me or on the contact details provided below.

Thank you again for sharing your experience, and we wish you and your baby all the very best.

Kind Regards,

Marnie

Marnie Bilsby Clininal Nurse Manager- Maternity

Busselton Health Campus

WA Country Health Service Central Office

T: 9753 6131

E: marnie.bilsby@health.wa.gov.au | www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au

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