By Alesha Capone
Wyndham’s baby boom is continuing, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Data released by the ABS shows Wyndham recorded the second-highest rate of babies born during 2018, out of all the state’s municipalities.
During the 12 months, there were 4878 babies born in Wyndham, up from 4821 babies born in the municipality during 2017.
In 2018, the municipality of Casey in Melbourne’s southeast topped the state for the number of births, with 5247 babies born (compared to 5416 in 2017).
Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Director of Maternity Services, Dr Jacqueline Van Dam, said the hospital delivered approximately 4000 babies a year.
Dr Van Dam said the hospital has nine birthing suites and 32 post-natal rooms.
“We have reached a point where the need for services is outweighing our physical capacity,” she said.
“Our facilities are always full and our staff constantly busy.
“In order to fully service the fastest growing community in Victoria, we will need to eventually expand our maternity services and infrastructure.”
Mercy Health said it has “regular dialogue” with both Health Minister Jenny Mikakos and Werribee MP Tim Pallas, as well as other local members of parliament, about the future needs of the 26-year-old Werribee hospital.
