This petition is in relation to the sudden suspension of birthing services at South West Healthcare - Camperdown Hospital campus, as ordered by management at South West Healthcare - Warrnambool Base, in Victoria, Australia, as of Monday 5th August 2024.  

•The complete absence of maternity care and potentially the hospital entirely is at stake.
-This is due to the mass exit of midwifery and obstetric staff who wish to maintain their passion and skills in providing continuity of care across the full spectrum of practise. 

•Women and their families are facing financial, social and mental hardship associated with travelling and relocating up to one hour away for antenatal, labour & birth and uncertainty surrounding postnatal care. 

•Additional pressure on Paramedics who are already under strain to meet call out times.

•Pregnant women with reduced fetal (baby) movements may be less likely to present for monitoring at another hospital up to one hour away; this could result in an unwell baby or even stillbirth.  

•Some women may be unable to access pregnancy care and ultimately free-birth.

• As has played out in many rural communities, the closure of a healthcare facility, as a service and large employer for the district would implicate investment and growth in our rural region. 

We must act urgently to prevent hardship and harm for young families, and the health of our region as a whole.