Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker, understands the potential closure of Epworth Hospital's Maternity Services in Waurn Ponds is a source of anxiety for many expectant families, their midwives and the staff who are part of the service. 

Ms Coker said shesupportsthe campaign to keep the doors of Epworth Maternity Services open. 

Ms Coker said she had been assured by Barwon  Health and St John of God Hospital that they had ample capacity to manage and support the small number of births currently handled at the Epworth if it chose to close. 

She said Barwon Health and St John of God would also be able to expand service delivery and supports to expectant families into the future if required to do. 

Following conversations with several of her constituents, including midwives, families and other medical professionals, Ms Coker noted workforce shortages appeared to be contributing factors for the potential closure.

Ms Coker advised she was having ongoing conversations with the Epworth, BarwonHealthand St John of God Hospital to better understand potential options to ensure that local families were  supported and given every possible opportunity for a positive birthing experience and for ongoing care.

“The addition of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital currently under construction, will of course, add to these services”,Ms Coker said.

Ms Cokersaidshe would continue to support her community in it’s efforts to keep the doors of the Epworth Maternity Services open, while working to address the underlying workforce shortages in the health 

"The Geelong region needs to attract and retain quality medical and health practioners. Our community deserves it."