## Mater Private Hospital Redland to Close Maternity Services
Mater Private Hospital Redland is set to close its maternity services at the end of next month. This decision comes amid a nationwide trend of private hospitals shutting down birthing wards, citing workforce shortages and patient safety concerns.
The closure follows similar moves by Cairns Private Hospital, Sunnybank Private, and Mater Gladstone in recent years. Epworth Hospital in Geelong, Victoria, also closed its maternity ward last year due to staffing shortages.
Queensland Health data reveals a significant decline in private births over the past decade. In 2021, only 14,000 women gave birth in private hospitals in Queensland, compared to almost 18,000 in 2011.
Mater Health attributes the closure to a nationwide shortage of pediatricians to attend births. The hospital is currently consulting with staff and specialists on the proposal.
The closure has sparked concerns about access to maternity services in the Redlands area. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has assured that the government is committed to providing high-quality maternity services for all women across the state.
The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union has also expressed concerns about the closure and its impact on the provision of maternity services in the region.
The National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has called for a Senate inquiry into birthing care in Australia, including an analysis of models of care, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. They believe that including pregnancy in all private health insurance policies and recognizing babies' need for care are crucial steps to address the "maternity crisis" in Australia.