An Upper Hunter councillor is warning that maternity services at Scone Hospital are at risk, as the retirement of local obstetricians puts pressure on the region’s midwifery care.
Troy Stolz, an Upper Hunter Shire councillor and Merriwa resident, said the Nurses and Midwives Association had launched a campaign to protect the service, which he described as essential for a fast-growing region. He said losing maternity care at Scone would be a significant blow, particularly as Muswellbrook residents have separately been pushing for a maternity ward to be included in that town’s hospital redevelopment.
“We’re in 2026, not 1926. It is very much a needed service at Scone and it would be devastating if it was to close,” Mr Stolz said. He said the nearest alternative would likely be Maitland, adding that a longer trip would create extra stress and risk for expectant mothers and place more pressure on ambulance services.
In response, Mr Stolz said he plans to walk from Scone Council Chambers to Sydney to deliver a petition to the Premier and Health Minister, and is hoping for support from the local community, fellow councillors and State MP Dave Layzell.
“We should be expanding services offered by our regional hospitals, not shrinking them,” he said.
