Childbirth by elective caesarean is being struck off the surgical list at Dubbo Private Hospital.
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The procedure will not be offered to pregnant women in Western NSW from December 22.
On the same day, Dubbo Private Hospital’s postnatal services will be withdrawn permanently.
Its chief executive Julie Whinfield has confirmed the double blow for expectant mothers and growing families in the region.
She has directed them to Dubbo Hospital, the city’s public hospital.
“Dubbo Private Hospital’s postnatal services, including elective caesareans, will permanently cease on 22 December 2017 when the hospital closes for the Christmas period,” she said.
“All postnatal patients currently booked will continue to access hospital services without disruption until this date.
“From 23 December, privately-insured patients can continue to access private beds at Dubbo Base Hospital for postnatal services.
“This includes elective caesareans and postnatal care following surgery.”
Ms Whinfield has blamed “sustained low occupancy of postnatal patients” for the planned shutdown of postnatal services.
Mothers have been giving birth at Dubbo Hospital before transferring to Dubbo Private Hospital to rest and learn how to feed and care for their newborn babies.
On the Daily Liberal Facebook page, women have overwhelmingly expressed their sadness and disappointment that the services are being axed.
Erin Robertson wrote: “Really devastated about this. If it wasn’t for the private I would have struggled to feed my baby. The ladies spent so much time with me, helping and supporting me to get my baby to feed.”
Leanne Corfield wrote: “Well I'm glad I've finished having babies. How sad for Dubbo mothers to not have this choice.”