Media Statement – Dr Peta Skilbeck

Intuition Private welcomes the development of a Clinical Services Plan for Women, Children, and Families on the Central Coast, ensuring maternity services align with the needs of our growing community. However, for this plan to be truly effective, it must involve meaningful consultation with all key stakeholders.

As a collective of dedicated Obstetricians and Gynaecologists providing care to Central Coast families, we strongly urge Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) to include private specialists in these discussions, alongside the Nurses and Midwives Association (NMA). A collaborative approach, engaging both doctors and midwives, is essential to ensuring the voices of all healthcare providers and, most importantly, patients are heard in this critical period of decision-making.

The challenges facing maternity services are not unique to the Central Coast. As Australian Medical Association President Dr Kathryn Austin has stated, maternity services across the state are at “breaking point.” With workforce shortages and increasing demand, now more than ever, we must work together to create a sustainable and patient-centred model of care.

We remain committed to supporting women and families throughout their pregnancy journey and look forward to working with CCLHD to ensure the highest standards of care for our community.