South Australian health authorities have blamed a “critical midwifery workforce shortage” for the indefinite suspension of birthing services at Whyalla Hospital. 

Women due to give birth at Whyalla Hospital will have to deliver at other locations from Monday, June 26. 

In a statement, Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network Chief Executive Craig Packard said staff were working with each woman who was due to give birth imminently to arrange an alternative location. 

“This decision has been made to ensure that women are able to deliver their babies in the safest way possible,” he said. 

“We are currently working on recruiting qualified staff with the aim of reinstating birthing services as soon as possible.

“If you know of a midwife who is looking for a new opportunity in a friendly and welcoming community, please encourage them to get in touch with our health service.” 

Mr Packard said antenatal and post-natal care services would still be available at the Whyalla Hospital and medical staff would still be there to respond to maternal emergencies. 

“Women in Whyalla who believe they may be in labour, even early stages, should attend the Whyalla Hospital and Health Services as soon as possible,” he said. 

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation SA has been pushing for increased incentives to attract more nurses and midwives to regional areas. 

The federation has estimated that South Australia will be short by 15,000 nurses and midwives by 2025.