Castlemaine Health has temporarily paused birthing to review our policies, procedures and processes to ensure they align to the requirements of a low-risk Level 2 birthing service.
We will be working with our own midwives and GP Obstetricians, and with Bendigo Health and Safer Care Victoria, to complete that review.
Castlemaine Health and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) remain committed to continuing our birthing services locally.
The service is an important part of Castlemaine Health’s history and is highly valued by the community.
A spokesperson from DHHS said: “Castlemaine Health has advised they have decided to temporarily divert birthing services to Bendigo Health. We understand local families want to have their babies as close to home as possible and we’re working closely with both Castlemaine Health and Safer Care Victoria to ensure they can continue to provide a sustainable and safe local maternity service.”
There are currently only three patients due to give birth at Castlemaine Health this month. All have been contacted and provided with the relevant referral details for Bendigo Health.
