The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has called for any last submissions to its community consultation survey on Lachlan's maternity services.
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The consultation survey closes at 5pm tomorrow, Friday, August 23.
Director of Rural Health Services Sharon McKay said that the consultation had so far received over 200 submissions.
"The feedback we've been getting from the community, consumers and staff has been very valuable," she said.
"It demonstrates that all the communities that use the Lachlan Health Service are really engaged and share our goal of providing the best services possible.
"Without going into the detail of the community survey results before submissions close, I can say that while many people would love for both hospitals to be able to offer Level 3 maternity services, where medical intervention for procedures such as induction and caesarean section are available, there's also recognition that safety and predictability are important as well.
"I think the community consultation is helping to highlight that a Level 2 service, where babies can be birthed under the care of a midwife, could be a safe and well-utilised option that would enable both hospitals to continue birthing services.
"The consultation is also helping to increase awareness of some of the challenges we face in terms of recruiting doctors from the community who are able to deliver more specialised services, particularly when birth numbers are relatively small."
A workshop held this week with maternity and obstetric experts was the final element of consultation, alongside the community survey and consumer focus groups.
The WNSWHD Board will consider the outcomes of the consultations in September.
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