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November 18, 2024

FAQs- Information for our valued patients- Gosford Private Hospital’s Maternity Unit Closure

At Intuition Private, we understand that recent developments may bring up a lot of questions. This page is here to provide clear and up-to-date information about the closure of the Gosford Private Maternity Unit and how it may impact your care. We are committed to transparency and keeping our patients fully informed during this time of transition.

We will update this page regularly with the latest information as we work through the changes ahead. Be sure to follow our social media channels to stay informed when new information is added to the page. Our goal is to ensure you have all the details you need to make confident, informed decisions about your healthcare.

 

I just found out that I’m expecting. Are you still taking patients?

Congratulations! This is an exciting time of your life and we are thrilled you have considered us as your potential pregnancy care and birthing partner.

YES! We are accepting patients with delivery dates after 31 March (as well as before of course). You can find the information you need to make a decision below, which outlines our new birthing options moving forward.

Please note, there has been no change to our pregnancy outpatient care, which represents the vast majority of your care as our patient. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our Patient Support team for more information.

 

I’m having a gynaecological procedure at Gosford Private Hospital. Are there any changes for me to know about?

Please be reassured that gynaecological procedures will continue to take place at Gosford Private Hospital.
We are committed to great patient outcomes, through both outpatient and inpatient care (appointments, consulting and in-room procedures included).

Recent announcements only affect obstetric (pregnant) patients as inpatients (from 31 March). All other departments and specialties within Gosford Private Hospital remain unaffected.

 

I’ll deliver before the closure, but will I receive the same standard of care at Gosford Private? Do you think the team there will move on prior to closure causing staff shortages?

We have had assurances from Gosford Private Hospital that the team there are committed to continuing until the end and making sure our patients receive the same level of care up until Monday, 31 March 2025.

 

Are you looking to deliver anywhere other than Gosford Hospital?

Yes, we can confirm that we have partnered with Newcastle Private Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital (The SAN) at Wahroonga, for our patients who are wanting to birth in a private hospital setting.

As an Intuition Private patient, your pregnancy outpatient care will remain unchanged, and you will continue to attend Intuition Private at North Gosford for your schedule appointments with your chosen obstetrician.

When it comes to the birth of your baby, we will assist you in being partnered with our affiliate obstetrician at the SAN and Newcastle Private Hospital.

For patients that choose this option, you will have a pregnancy appointment with these affiliate obstetricians (at approx. 36 weeks of pregnancy or another time of your choosing), ahead of your birth so that you can meet and ask any questions.

 

What will happen if I plan to birth spontaneously in a private hospital setting?

For our patients who are planning spontaneous births, we ask you to consult with your Intuition Private obstetrician to discuss the best plan for you and your baby.

 

Can I have a private room at Gosford Hospital?

Our private patients will be given priority for a private room. Our patient’s will also receive a post-natal stay of up to five days in Gosford Hospital.

We are confident that Gosford Hospital can provide the same level of care as what is expected at Gosford Private Hospital, with the state-of-the-art facilities available to our doctors and patients.

 

What happens if I, or my baby are unwell or there are complications at the end of the five day post-natal stay?

Of course, where medically required, longer stays will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

Can my partner stay with me at Gosford Hospital?

Our private patients will be able have their partner stay overnight, where a private room is available. There is a trundle-bed available in the private rooms.

We are confident that Gosford Hospital can provide the same level of care as what is expected at Gosford Private Hospital, with the state-of-the-art facilities available to our doctors and patients.

 

Can I still have my elected birth style of choice at Gosford Hospital?

Yes, if you are a private patient, your patient preferences will not be affected by birthing at Gosford Hospital.

We are pleased to confirm that our private patients will be able to choose the birth date of their choice (where applicable), as well as the birth style of their choice, in consultation with their individual obstetrician.

We are confident that Gosford Hospital can provide the same level of care as what is expected at Gosford Private Hospital, with the state-of-the-art facilities available to our doctors and patients.

 

Is there a chance the decision will be reversed?

We would love to say yes, however we need to be realistic and plan for what has been announced. While we are publicly advocating for our patients and communicating our deep disappointment through the media, we are absolutely focusing our energy on a smooth transition plan.

 

My pregnancy has been deemed high risk and I am being monitored and treated at Gosford Private Hospital. Can I continue my pregnancy care there until they close?

Yes, your inpatient care will continue as normal until Monday, 31 March 2025.

 

If I birth on or in days leading up to 31 March, will I be able to remain in Gosford Private hospital for my postnatal care in the first week of April?

Yes, while there won’t be any births occurring at the hospital after Monday, 31 March 2025, we understand that postnatal stays have been factored into the timelines and that your care will continue after you have birthed your baby.

 

Will my fees be reduced?

Our current scheduled fees for pregnancy care (outpatient services) will not change, as our management fees are related to your outpatient care, not your inpatient care.

In terms of your birth fees (inpatient services), you will be able to discuss this with your individual obstetrician at your regular appointments, once your chosen birthing location has been confirmed.

For more detailed information on how our fees are structured, please click here.

 

Will my baby still be able to access a local Paediatrician once born? (there is a long wait list if not referred via the private system)?

We have secured the partnership of a local Paediatrician to accept our patient’s newborns on the Central Coast, no matter where they birthed with us.

If they birth as a private patient with us at Gosford Hospital, we will aim for them to be seen by the Doctor and Staff Specialist Paediatricians at the hospital.

Following discharge, you will be transferred to our elected Paediatrician, as an outpatient at their private practice for ongoing care as required.

We will have more information on this appointment in the coming months, but please be reassured, this is in hand.

 

Please know that you are always welcome to contact us directly with any questions or concerns. Our team is here to support you, and your comfort and confidence are of the utmost importance to us. We are committed to working closely with you to navigate this time together, ensuring that your birthing experience remains as positive and aligned with your preferences as possible.

Contact details: Our friendly patient support team on 4321 0500, or Karina Wright, our Business Manager at Intuition Private.

Dr Skilbeck, Dr Shah, Dr Hankins and Dr Mandapati will of course also be available to answer any questions you may have at your appointments.

Thank you for your trust in us, and we look forward to continuing to support you in every way we can.

We understand the need for women-led care

Get in touch

If you wish to make a booking with one of our specialists or allied health team, please get in touch with one of our friendly support staff.

We understand the need for women-led care and have an easy referral system to other health care professionals who provide a range of services specialised to your individual needs.

General enquiries, bookings

Existing Patients, After Hours & Emergency

(Gosford Private Hospital Only)