Portland District Health reopens birthing suites after five-month closure due to midwife shortage

Portland District Health has been hampered by service closures.

A south-west Victorian hospital will reopen its maternity ward this week after closing the service for 155 days due to staff shortages. 

Portland District Health (PDH) became a political talking point when it closed its maternity suite in March, citing a lack of midwives. 

The news emerged at the same time senior staff left the organisation, which was the subject of a scathing review into cultural and financial issues. 

Five months on, PDH announced it would reopen this week, with services set to resume from Wednesday.

However the good news came with a warning — the region was not yet assured of an ongoing maternity service. 

There are concerns over the Portland hospital's ability to provide services after closures. (Supplied)

PDH interim chief executive Karena Prevett said while the reopening was good news, long term challenges remained. 

"We’re really excited to reopen our birthing services and I know our midwives and obstetrician are too," said Ms Prevett said. 

"We’re passionate about the delivery of birthing services here in Portland and we’re pleased that we have overcome PDH's rostering challenges."

"We need to be clear with our community, this is not a permanent solution.

"We remain vulnerable to short term challenges caused by unforeseen sick leave and other rostering disruptions."

Mothers thanked for their patience

PDH said it had conducted an "exhaustive" search to recruit midwives amid a national and global workforce shortage. 

Ms Prevett described the past five months as a "difficult period". (Supplied: Media Masters Vic)

The ward's reopening was enabled by the creation of a community advisory group and the earlier appointment of rural maternity consultant specialist Fiona Faulks. 

Ms Prevett thanked the families who weren't able to give birth in their local hospital. 

For the past 155 days, expectant mothers in the Portland region were forced to travel over an hour to give birth in the surrounding towns of Warrnambool, Hamilton or Mount Gambier. 

"I want to thank our staff, neighbouring health services and the Department of Health for their assistance in navigating this difficult period," she said.

"I also thank and acknowledge the patience and support of women and families impacted by the temporary diversion.

"We owe you a debt of gratitude."

Portland District Health's maternity ward will reopen from 7am on August 17.