To: The Hon. Ryan Park MP – Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, NSW Government

The Illawarra and Shellharbour community has been shocked to learn that the new Shellharbour Hospital will not include a maternity unit.

According to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District’s own website, while clinics and midwifery-led services will be available, birthing will only be available at Wollongong Hospital. This means that women and families in Shellharbour and own community to give birth.

Why this matters

• Shellharbour’s population is expected to grow to over 110,000 people by 2040. With such rapid growth, demand for maternity services will only increase.
• Kiama's population is expected to grow to over 33,000 people by 2040. Again with such rapid growth, demand for maternity services will only increase.
• Emergencies to Wollongong or Shoalhaven hospitals place both mothers and newborns at unnecessary risk. Wollongong and Shoalhaven Hospitals are already under significant pressure. Adding more demand without local support is unsafe and unsustainable.
• Other regional hospitals, such as Gosford, provide birthing services with transfers only for complex emergencies. Shellharbour and Kiama municipalities' families deserve the same level of care.

Our call

We, the undersigned, call on Minister Ryan Park and the NSW Government to:

• Include a birthing unit in the new Shellharbour Hospital as part of its construction; or
• Provide additional funding to ensure that a maternity unit is added, even if it is a lower-level birthing service.

Every mother deserves the right to give birth safely in her own community. It is unacceptable for Shellharbour and Kiama Municipalities – a growing and vibrant area – to be denied such a basic and essential service.

How you can help

Please sign and share this petition. Together, we can ensure that Shellharbour mothers, babies, and families are not left behind.