QUESTIONS have been raised about health services in rural areas, particularly maternity units, with a number under threat in SA.
While there has been good news with the return of birthing services to Ceduna, mid-way through last year - bringing the number of hospitals available to those on Eyre Peninsula to three - there has been some other concerning news in recent years.
Tanunda closed its services in 2018, while Kapunda and Waikerie are experiencing temporary closures.
While Kapunda is expected to re-open again mid-year, following hospital upgrades, Waikeries closure has been caused by staffing shortages and difficulty recruiting adequate staff, which has raised concerns and when - or even if - services will resume.
This follows a national trend with more than 260 services closing since 1992, forcing women to make long trips in order to access working maternity units.
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia is pushing for the federal and state governments to make keeping these maternity units operating a priority.
Read more here.
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