The post natal group was held weekly at the hospital’s Jacaranda Day Centre and was well-known as a vital service for mothers where they could access health advice, have their babies weighed and gain knowledge about topics like breastfeeding, solid foods, sleep, first aid, baby proofing and baby massage.

Run by health nurse Melba Turner for around five years, the group was particularly popular with first-time mothers. It allowed them to meet new mums and share and compare information about their little ones.

The clinic was also an important support network and mothers could access health information without having to visit the doctor or emergency department.

Helen Noble attended the clinic after her daughter Amelia was born last December. Having only recently moved to the area, she said it was a wonderful way to meet new people, but more importantly gain information. 

“It was so helpful.You have that support and it was nice to have a proper medical professional running it where you could go to them with many questions,” Helen said.

“It’s a big loss.”

Hayley McAdam is another mother who regularly visited the clinic with her son.

“There was so much information for new mums, whether it be your first, second or third child.

“It was absolutely invaluable and it’s definitely a real shame it’s not running anymore and the resources aren’t there.”

 Area Health Service Manager at Gunnedah Hospital, Symone Fuller, said to “provide a more sustainable model of care and increase access for those women who most need our support, the service is being redesigned”.

“This means that the group clinic previously offered will be replaced by one-on-one sessions,” Ms Fuller said. 

She added that the Gunnedah Health Service’s Child and Family Health nurses continue to provide services for all families in the Gunnedah area and that appointments can be made by calling the hospital.