Mainland mother births surge

December 06, 2011

November saw 205 cases of non-local mothers making last-minute deliveries in public hospitals, up 99% on the same month last year.
 
The Hospital Authority announced the figure today, warning such behaviour poses a high risk to both mother and baby.
 
It said hospital staff will try to handle these cases in a professional manner, but given the lack of standard staffing and facilities found in obstetrics departments, and the lack of previous antenatal records, the treatment options and outcomes will be affected in emergency situations.
 
A complicated case which requires inter-hospital transfer will pose further risks to both mother and baby during the transfer process.
 
The authority reminded non-local expectant mothers that, even in public hospitals with obstetric services, the service capacity will be filled by previously-booked cases, leaving little room for non-booked cases.