Published Friday, 20 October, 2006 at 06:00 AM

Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson

QUEENSLAND PUBLIC HOSPITALS DELIVERING MORE THAN 100 BABIES A DAY

New statistics show Queensland public hospitals are for the first time delivering more than 100 babies a day, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.

Mr Robertson said a record 38,490 babies were delivered last financial year in Queensland Health hospitals from the Gold Coast to Cape York and Mount Isa.

He said the new figures, released as part of National Babies Day, showed between 2003-04 and 2005-06 an increase of nearly 4,000 babies was recorded (from 34,750 to 38,490).

“Interstate migration isn’t the only reason why Queensland is the growth state of Australia,” Mr Robertson said.

“We’re the fastest growing state because our newborns are also fuelling our huge population boom.

“In fact, babies born in our public hospitals alone would make up around half our annual population increase.

“Private hospitals in Queensland are delivering around 17,000 babies a year.

“Tens of thousands of young couples each year are choosing Queensland to start a new family, whether it be for our strong economy, our wonderful lifestyle or abundance of employment opportunities.”

Mr Robertson said the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital remained Queensland’s top maternity hospital with 4,242 births last year.

“The Logan-Beaudesert district is fast catching up to the Mater Public Hospital as the second top hospital with 3,359 newborns – a massive increase of 475 or 16.4 percent compared to the previous year. The Mater delivered 3,771 babies.

“The Redcliffe and Caboolture district came next with 3,085 births, recording an 11.2 percent increase, and the Gold Coast fifth with 2,970 births and a 12.79 increase.”

Mr Robertson said the West Moreton district, which takes in Ipswich Hospital, was the busiest maternity centre recording the largest percentage increase of births at 17.5 percent (1,893 in 2004-05 to 2,225 in 2004-06).

He said the Banana district, which includes Biloela hospital, appeared the busiest rural maternity area with 177 births in 2005-06 – an increase of 26 births or 17.2 percent.

“These statistics are wonderful news for Queensland and demonstrate that our dedicated and hard-working public hospital staff are caring for more patients than ever before,” he said.

“But this growth brings many challenges.

“That is why last year we announced an extra $52 million over five years to deal with the ever-increasing demand on our public maternity services.

“It is also why we appointed leading maternity expert Dr Cherrell Hirst to spearhead reforms so we can improve they way we deliver our maternity services throughout the state.

“The State Government also recently allocated an extra $17 million to operate around 19 extra neonatal cots at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s, Townsville and Mater Mother’s hospitals.

“This investment will allow our hospitals to treat thousands more sick and premature babies in Queensland each year.

“Also, by the end of 2006 all public birthing hospitals in Queensland will be able to offer free ear screening tests to newborns as part of Queensland Health’s Healthy Hearing Program.”

20 October,  2006
MEDIA:
Joshua Cooney 3234 1185 or 0409 069 056