Healthe Care has announced the closure of Gosford Private Hospital's maternity services, effective March 31, which will leave the Central Coast region with only one public birthing unit.

This closure is particularly significant given that the Central Coast spans 1,680 kilometers and serves a population of over 350,000, impacting many expecting families.

The closure marks the eighth private maternity service to shut down in Australia in the past 18 months, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of the private maternity sector.

Factors influencing this decision include declining birth rates, a decrease in demand for private maternity services, rising cost-of-living pressures, and issues with private health insurance funding.

Notably, Gosford Private Hospital had recently invested $32 million to expand its maternity ward, featuring luxury amenities like immersion baths and partner accommodation.

Obstetricians in the area have previously canceled non-urgent appointments due to safety concerns and a staffing crisis within public obstetrics services.

Families have expressed devastation over the closure, highlighting reduced options for maternity care and an expected increase in demand on already struggling public hospitals.

In response to the closure, Healthe Care has committed to supporting families who had booked services at Gosford Private until the closure date and is exploring redeployment options for the 27 affected staff.

A Change.org petition opposing the closure has quickly gained traction, amassing over 1,000 signatures and urging decision-makers to reconsider and allocate funding to maintain these vital services.