Concerns are rising among expectant parents regarding maternity care at Toowoomba Base Hospital in Queensland. A woman, identified only as Grace, expressed her apprehension as she and her husband prepare to expand their family. Grace, who chose to remain anonymous, voiced her worries about the quality of care she might receive during childbirth. "It increases the uncertainty I'm feeling, or the apprehension I'm feeling towards the birth," she said.

Grace, in her 20s, recalled her experience during the birth of her son in 2021. She felt unheard by some staff members when she raised concerns about her unborn baby's low heart rate and reduced fetal movements over a five-day period. After her son was born, a healthcare assessment tool rated him at four out of ten, and he required assistance to breathe. "I just remember feeling like this is a long time for him not to be crying, and that was quite nerve-racking," she said.

Although her son made a full recovery, Grace reflected on the situation years later, realizing that it could have been avoided had her concerns been taken seriously. "It really kind of reared its head in terms of, 'Wow I wasn't listened to, this is what occurred, this potentially could have been avoided if my fears were listened to,'" she said. She added that vulnerable patients might face even greater risks in similar situations.

In the past week, two other women have also shared their concerns about maternity care at Toowoomba Base Hospital. An independent workplace culture review is currently underway in the hospital's maternity unit following complaints about its environment. This review was prompted by the recent resignations of several senior staff members, including two directors of obstetrics. Other senior staff members are currently on leave.

Alecia Staines, founder of the Maternity Consumer Network, described the resignations as a "slow unravelling" of strong leadership at the hospital. "It's concerning, it's disappointing, it's disheartening," she said, expressing fears that the hospital could revert to a time when it was among the worst-performing maternity services in Queensland, according to patient experience surveys.

Darling Downs Health chief executive Annette Scott stated that the quality, safety, and continuity of care at the Toowoomba maternity unit remain unaffected by the recent staff changes. She assured that all leadership roles are filled and emphasized the commitment to providing safe, high-quality, woman-centered care. "Our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality, woman-centred care while fostering a workplace culture that supports staff in doing their best work," she said.

The situation at Toowoomba Base Hospital comes amid staffing shortages at St Vincent's, the only private birthing hospital in the area, which has reduced operations of its special care nursery. The facility closed for a week in September and has been operating at limited capacity since reopening on September 7.

Despite her concerns, Grace and her husband have decided to proceed with their plans to grow their family. "It would be a shame to let an adverse experience keep us from a lifelong joy of another child," she said.