Regarding the proposed closure of Epworth Maternity Geelong; we the undersigned implore you to reconsider and explore alternative arrangements to keep the service open. 

The enormous population growth of the region has seen the public sector overwhelmed in regards to maternity services and with the ‘covid baby boom’ continuing, to close a thriving maternity unit would be a devastating blow to the region.

In particular, the public sector is currently inundated and there is no capacity to absorb such a large number of women for birthing arrangements. 

For the Epworth to close its maternity services when it is currently staffed by two excellent groups of obstetricians, at a time when the community need is so high will have untold effects on the public maternity service, the lives of the families already engaged with their care and indeed on the reputation of the Epworth at large.