Rumours were running hot yesterday that the Maternity Unit would shut within weeks ‘without warning.’

A GWAHS spokesperson said yesterday that like many hospitals both Parkes and Forbes facilities were being reviewed as part of the Garling Report recommendation 117.

“Both sites were the first in the Greater Western Area Health Service to be visited,” the spokesperson said.

“There is no truth to the rumour that Parkes Maternity will close.

“Mr Andrew Newton (Health Service Manager, Parkes and Forbes) has met with Mrs Cathy Ryan the manager of Parkes Maternity and reassured her that there are no imminent changes planned for the service.”

The spokesperson said meetings with Maternity Unit staff are also planned.

“Now that Forbes and Parkes are under the management of one Health Service Manager, the midwives from both hospitals have taken the opportunity to establish regular meetings.

“This is to foster a closer working relationship between the two services and to better coordinate maternity services in the two towns.

“Mums to be in the Parkes area should be confident that it’s business as usual and to continue to book into the Parkes Maternity unit.”

The spokesperson went on to say that GWAHS continues to work to identify better ways of ensuring the most appropriate and effective services are in place across the area.

“Where this is not the case, adjustments will be made to ensure a better fit between community needs and services delivered,” the spokesperson said.