Shortage of beds sparks birth fears

By Callan Date
A NARRE Warren couple is worried the safe birth of their fifth child could be jeopardised by a lack of beds at Casey Hospital.
Dusty and Kylie Macgraw have labelled the local hospital system appalling after Ms Macgraw was told she would be unable to give birth at either Casey or Dandenong hospitals.
Mr Macgraw said Southern Health officials told them Monash Medical Centre in Clayton was the only hospital with vacancies in July.
“To many, this might be acceptable, but my wife has already had one child on the bathroom floor because of quick labours,” Mr Macgraw said.
“Her first visit to Clayton took over two hours to get there after dropping the other children at babysitters and fighting the traffic.”
The couple, who recently relocated from Queensland, said the doctors had been helpful but it was the system letting them down.
Ms Macgraw said she was concerned for the safety of her expected child if all doesn’t go to plan when travelling to Clayton.
“Some doctors have basically told me to just go to Casey when I am in labour. I could then be put in an ambulance or I might get a bed,” Ms Macgraw said.
Ms Macgraw is now five months pregnant and still not booked in for an ultra sound.
“The local hospital system is struggling to keep up with the increasing birth rate in the area and government needs to take responsibility to fix the problem,” she said.
Helen Gillies, nursing director of the women’s and children’s program of Southern Health, said they were satisfied with the amount of beds available for pregnant mothers at Casey.
“We would be more than happy to discuss any concerns this lady has regarding her pregnancy care and birth plans,” Ms Gillies said.
“We would also encourage all women to contact our central booking line or their doctor as soon as possible in their pregnancy.”
She said more babies are born at Southern Health hospitals than in any other health service in Victoria.
“We have factored the expected growth in demand into our service planning and do not believe we need more maternity beds in the near future.”