Why More Babies Are Born Before Reaching Hospital in Regional NSW

NSW Health data show that since 2001 the number of babies born before reaching a hospital has doubled in regional health districts, and in outer‑regional and remote areas the figure has more than tripled.

One vivid example is Shara Kimpton, who went into labour while travelling to Griffith Hospital. About 90 km from the hospital, she gave birth in the Birdcage Rest Area on the Sturt Highway, surrounded by flies and passing trucks, a scene she later described as “among flies and trucks,” she said.

Advocates argue the surge is a direct result of dozens of birthing services being closed or left understaffed, forcing pregnant women to travel longer distances to the nearest obstetric care.

Closed or suspended units include the Parkes maternity suite, dormant since 2019; Muswellbrook, shut in 2022; Yass, which lost its ward in 2004; and Tumut, where birthing was halted after its sole obstetrician was banned from practising.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says the government wants to bring the number down by hiring more midwives, expanding home‑birth options and increasing midwifery group practices, especially in rural communities.

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