Birthing services at Forbes Hospital were back to normal on Wednesday night after the rostered anaesthetist had to take unexpected leave three days earlier.
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Member for Orange Phil Donato on Monday night posted to his Facebook page that maternity services "may not be able to be delivered at all at times over the next three days" due to staffing shortages, criticising the District for not providing the service promised since changes made last year.
The Health District issued a statement explaining that the anaesthetist had taken unexpected leave and women expected to birth in the coming seven days had been contacted personally.
Forbes has been hosting birthing mums from both Forbes and Parkes and surrounds since last year when the Health District announced a change in the service delivery model due to long-term shortages in the availability of specialist medical staff.
Forbes hospital is able to cater for all births as they have been able to roster an obstetrician and anaesthetist in case there is need for an emergency cesarean surgery.
A midwifery-led model of care is being introduced but is not expected to be fully in place until later this year.
The Health District advised that all other antenatal and postnatal services for pregnant women continued at both Parkes and Forbes hospitals.
Anyone with questions about how to access maternity services in Parkes or Forbes is encouraged to contact Forbes hospital (02) 6850 7100.
They advise there are no midwifery vacancies at Forbes hospital.
