Barwon Health and the state government say there is no shortage of beds for expectant mums in the region.
Epworth Geelong’s private maternity ward closed in March despite a campaign to keep it open.
Barwon Health Chair Lisa Neville says private services are being delivered through St John of God and the public system is also accommodating any additional demand for services.
“There’s plenty of beds, we now have more paediatricians, so the services are operating well together,” she said.
Difficulties in attracting staff was a key reason cited by Epworth in its reason for closing the maternity ward.
“Barwon Health have worked closely with St John of God in order to make sure that there is a viable ongoing private service, as well as a public service,” Ms Neville said.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas was similarly emphatic as Ms Neville when asked if the Epworth’s birthing ward closure had impacted access to beds for expectant mums.
“No…there’s no shortage beds,” she said.
