Whyalla’s Woonabie Birthing Unit will open its doors next week, meaning women can once again give birth in the Iron Triangle city.

From July 1 the unit will welcome women with low-risk pregnancies who are at 37 weeks or more gestation.

As part of this reopening of birthing services, midwives will be available onsite or on call to care for birthing mothers, and to respond to other maternal emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Antenatal and postnatal care will also continue.

A critical lack of midwives forced the closure of birthing services in Whyalla in June last year.

An independent review was quickly established by the State Government to find out how birthing services could be re-established sustainably, with one of the key recommendations being the appointment of a permanent senior Director of Midwifery.

Relocating the birthing unit to a newer part of the Whyalla Hospital and Health Service was also recommended. The unit contains five beds with ensuites, two birthing suites and two neonatal spaces.

A Midwifery Unit Manager and a number of midwives have been recruited to deliver high-quality care to pregnant women and their families.

Several experienced midwives from the United Kingdom will be relocating to Whyalla over the coming months to join the dedicated team. This will enable a full return of all maternity services at the Whyalla Hospital.

Pregnant women may still be referred to Port Augusta Hospital or alternate services in special circumstances, including those requiring induction of labour or when the number of clients exceeds the capacity of the Whyalla Midwifery Team.

Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network Acting Chief Executive Officer Angela McLachlan said the re-establishment of birthing services at the Whyalla Hospital would ensure pregnant women had access to high-quality care and, where possible, be able to birth closer to home.

“We will be working very closely with impacted mothers and families to help them plan for the birth of their newborn,” Ms McLachlan said.

“The staff have been magnificent in preparing for the reopening and this speaks to their dedication and commitment to local families.

“Access to the modern birthing facilities in Woonabie Unit has been crucial in assisting us to attract staff and has also supported our international recruitment efforts.”