Have your say on plans for how a South Coast hospital is managed into the future

The return of birthing services for low-risk women, and expanded medical imaging technology are on the table in a draft plan for a Shoalhaven hospital.

The draft Milton Ulladulla Hospital Health Service Plan has been developed using data, including population trends and projections, for Milton Ulladulla Hospital (MUH) Milton.

MUH currently has 11 treatment spaces in the emergency department, 25 beds (plus two palliative care beds), one surgery theatre and recovery space, x-ray services and seven chairs in a dialysis unit among its infrastructure.

Extensive feedback from key clinical and non-clinical staff and stakeholders has helped create the draft plan, which has now been sent out for public feedback.

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said the plan would be used in long-term planning for Shoalhaven’s healthcare system.

“I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting with members of the community during the face-to-face consultation sessions to hear what they think about the draft Health Service Plan,” she said.

“We know the Milton and Ulladulla region is growing and changing and so are the health needs of the local community.

“The draft Health Service Plan will help guide future health and hospital service delivery over the next 10 to 15 years, which is why it’s so important we hear directly from the community about their needs.”

The draft plan suggests that the emergency department will “remain the focal point” of the hospital and it proposes upgrades to ensure service delivery.

“Emergency presentations are anticipated to significantly increase due to the local population growing and ageing, as well as increased tourism to the area with the peak summer period extending over a longer period,” according to the plan.

“A redesign of the current physical layout is required to ensure appropriate clinical workflows and standards, inclusive of paediatrics, older persons, and mental health.”

Under the plan, sub-acute treatment would be delivered to patients on a separate ward, and renal dialysis would be expanded to six afternoons a week (up from three afternoons as of April 2024).

Some birthing services may also be brought back to MUH.

An external review of maternity services at the hospital saw it offer only level one (non-birthing) maternity services from July 2016.

The draft plan proposes introducing what it calls a model two system, where MUH continues to offer level one services, and expands to offer midwifery-led home births for low-risk women. All other women would continue to give birth at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital with their designated midwifery team.

The addition of a CT scanner to MUH’s medical imaging services is also described as “the immediate priority”.

“There is a longer-term desire to provide further ultrasound services at MUH to enhance the overall diagnostic capacity of the site.”

The public can have their say at two pop-up information stalls (no registration is needed for these):

• 1 October, 9 to 11 am outside Ulladulla Beach Pharmacy, 95 Princes Highway, Ulladulla
• 2 October, 9 to 11 am at the footpath outside The Star Hotel, 82 Princes Highway, Milton

Alternatively, people can register for one of three dedicated sessions:

• 30 September, 6 to 8 pm at Ulladulla Civic Centre (maternity-focused consultation)
• 1 October, 6 to 8 pm at Ulladulla Civic Centre (medical and allied health professionals)
• 2 October, 6 to 8 pm at Ulladulla Civic Centre (general community consultation)

An online community Q&A session will be held on 3 October from 6 to 8 pm.

People can also complete an online survey, email [email protected] or hand in handwritten feedback to collection boxes at Milton Ulladulla Hospital and Ulladulla Community Health Centre.

“Communities play a critical role in the process of health service planning, and we’re proud to present the Milton Ulladulla Hospital draft Health Service Plan for feedback,” said Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Chief Executive Margot Mains.

“We appreciate that local communities are passionate about Milton Ulladulla Hospital, and we are committed to working with them, our clinicians, and other key stakeholders in shaping the future of the facility.

“As always, our primary goal is to ensure we can continue to provide high quality health services at Milton Ulladulla Hospital.”

The draft Milton Ulladulla Hospital Health Service Plan is available for download online, along with a summary document. Feedback will be accepted until 5 pm on 11 October.