Growing numbers of women are flocking to Northern Health in Epping to have their babies.
The latest statistics show a steady rise in the number of births at Northern, with 3241 in the 2013-14 financial year, a rise of 210 on the previous year and 547 higher than in 2011-12.
Northern Health chief executive Janet Compton said she expected 4000 deliveries in the hospital in the current financial year, attributing the rising numbers to the hospital being in one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas.
But she said it meant upgrades at the hospital were needed to accommodate newborns and their mothers.
“New clinics are being established to specifically meet community needs,” Ms Compton said.
“For example, the average rate for diabetes during pregnancy in Australia is one in 20 women; in our northern community the rate is one in six.
“Northern Health now has a special clinic to assist pregnant women with this condition. We are looking at new models of care to help address these challenges and provide improved patient experience.”
A ‘zone policy’ introduced by the Royal Women’s Hospital in 2010 requires women to go to their local maternity hospital unless the pregnancy or birth is complicated.
