Northern NSW Local Health District is seeking community feedback to help shape the future of birthing services in the Murwillumbah region.
Women at any stage of their pregnancy journey, or women who have recently given birth or who are planning a pregnancy in the future, and their families, are invited to share their views and experiences through a confidential online survey to help plan the future of Murwillumbah’s birthing services.
Feedback from local health professionals, care providers, NGOs, and other pregnancy, birth and postnatal support service providers will also be captured through a separate survey.
Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Chief Executive Tracey Maisey said community feedback is vital to understanding what local women and families need, now and into the future, including identifying what is working well and how services can be improved.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with staff, clinicians and the community to deliver safe, sustainable and inclusive maternity services for the Murwillumbah region,” Ms Maisey said.
“We understand community needs and preferences change, and different models of birthing care now being offered across NSW. We will consider all these factors as we progress through the planning process.
“If there is a strong need to change the way we deliver birthing services as part of this consultation and planning process, we will continue to work closely with staff, and the community to develop a robust model of care that meets current demands and future needs.
“We look forward to hearing a broad range of views and feedback as part of this work.”
Ms Maisey also praised the Murwillumbah District Hospital maternity services team for their dedication towards providing high-quality women-centred care.
“Our staff at Murwillumbah hospital do an incredible job of delivering excellent and safe maternity care to the community,” she said.
“Our staff have a deep connection to the local community and are passionate and committed to providing excellent clinical care.”
The community consultation process follows the establishment of the Murwillumbah Birthing Services Working Group, which is reviewing current services to develop a contemporary, evidence-based model of care for local birthing services now and into the future.
This work follows a recommendation of the NNSWLHD Birthing Services Review, which was undertaken in late 2024.
The Murwillumbah Birthing Services Working Group includes representatives from the community, Tweed Shire Council, and Murwillumbah and Tweed Valley hospital staff.
To learn more and have your say visit: https://engage.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/murwillumbah-birthing-services-review-feedback-survey
Survey closes Thursday 7 May 2026.
BACKGROUND
NNSWLHD conducted a District-wide Birthing Services Review in 2024. As part of the review, a panel of experienced clinicians from across NSW visited local sites, spoke with staff, Aboriginal health services and community representatives, and gathered valuable insights into maternity services across the District.
The review report included recommendations focused on expanding midwifery-led models such as Midwifery Group Practice, enhancing culturally safe care for Aboriginal families, improving rural access and service coverage, and strengthening governance, workforce planning, infrastructure and virtual care.