WA Health Minister Expresses Deep Disappointment Over Freeway Birth Incident
Western Australia's Health Minister Meredith Hammat has issued a formal apology to a Perth mother who was compelled to give birth on the side of the Kwinana Freeway after being turned away from a public hospital. The minister described the situation as deeply disappointing and has initiated a review of maternity service protocols.
Traumatic Delivery Following Hospital Bypass
Lena and her partner Abdul arrived at St John of God Midland Public Hospital in the early hours of November 13, 2025, only to be informed that the maternity ward was on bypass approximately four hours later. This status indicated no beds were available, necessitating transfer to another facility. According to the couple, hospital staff declined to arrange ambulance transport, leaving them to drive themselves to Rockingham General Hospital—a journey estimated at fifty minutes.
The hospital has not clarified why Rockingham was selected over closer alternatives, and it acknowledges that Lena was not examined before departing. St John of God Midland Hospital has apologised for any distress caused to the family.
Emergency Birth During Peak Hour Traffic
Just twenty minutes into their drive, Lena went into labour in the back seat of their car during morning peak hour. The situation became critical when their newborn daughter Sofia stopped breathing due to the umbilical cord wrapping around her neck. Acting instinctively, the couple managed to untie the cord, but Lena recounted feeling overwhelming grief, believing her baby had died in her arms.
"We actually thought she was dead in my arms," Lena said, describing the terrifying moments as traffic rushed past their stationary vehicle on the freeway.
Ministerial Response and Systemic Review
Health Minister Meredith Hammat responded to media inquiries by expressing her profound disappointment and apologising for the family's ordeal. "Every Western Australian family deserves to feel safe during the birth of their child," Hammat stated, emphasising that such incidents must be treated with utmost seriousness.
The minister confirmed that a review of the care provided at St John of God Midland is being finalised and will be shared with the family. Additionally, she has directed the State Health Operations Centre to begin managing public demand for maternity services within four to six weeks—a measure directly prompted by this incident.
This expanded oversight aims to ensure better coordination during bypass situations, guiding patients and ambulances to the most appropriate care settings when maternity services are diverted.
Political Criticism and Health System Pressures
Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam condemned the incident as a systemic failure under Premier Roger Cook's government. "It's a horrifying account and it speaks for itself quite clearly—the health system under Roger Cook has clearly failed this young family," Mettam said, highlighting increasing hospital bypass occurrences across WA.
Mettam argued that the ordeal should send shockwaves through the WA Labor Government, noting that such situations are inexcusable in a resource-rich state like Western Australia. She echoed concerns from healthcare professionals about mounting pressures on the public health system.
Ongoing Maternity Service Upgrades
The State Government maintains that its $1.8 billion upgrade to Perth's maternity services remains on schedule for 2029. This comprehensive project includes:
- A new hospital within the Fiona Stanley precinct in Murdoch to replace aging services at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Subiaco
- Enhanced maternity and neonatal services at Osborne Park Hospital
- Improved facilities at Perth Children's Hospital
St John of God Midland Hospital operates under a public-private agreement between the WA Government and St John of God Healthcare. The completed review of this incident has been submitted to the WA Department of Health for final verification before release to the affected family.
