A maternity advocacy group has issued an urgent plea for increased resources at Atherton Hospital as the facility struggles to meet growing demand from expectant mothers across the Tablelands region.
Critical Shortages in Regional Maternity Care
The Maternity Consumer Network, a leading advocacy organization, has raised serious concerns about the sustainability of maternity services in Atherton. According to their recent assessment, the hospital faces significant challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels and equipment to serve the community effectively.
The advocacy group specifically highlighted the need for additional midwives, upgraded facilities, and better support services to ensure safe and accessible care for all families in the region. With population growth in the Tablelands area, the pressure on existing maternity services has intensified dramatically in recent months.
Community Impact and Growing Concerns
Local families have reported increasing difficulties accessing timely maternity care, with some expecting mothers facing lengthy travel to Cairns for basic appointments and services. This creates not only inconvenience but also potential health risks for those who cannot easily travel long distances during pregnancy.
The situation particularly affects vulnerable community members, including Indigenous families and those with limited transportation options. Many residents have expressed frustration about the declining accessibility of local maternity services that once served the community reliably.
Call to Action and Proposed Solutions
The Maternity Consumer Network has formally approached Queensland Health with a detailed proposal outlining the specific resources required to address the crisis. Their recommendations include immediate staffing increases, equipment upgrades, and long-term planning for sustainable maternity services in the region.
Advocates emphasize that investing in Atherton's maternity services now could prevent more serious healthcare gaps in the future and ensure that Tablelands families receive the standard of care they deserve. The group continues to gather community support and evidence to strengthen their case for urgent government action.
With winter approaching and seasonal population fluctuations expected, the timing of this resource allocation could prove critical for maintaining essential healthcare services for the entire Tablelands community.
