The suspension of birthing services on Kangaroo Island will continue until late January 2023.

The service was first suspended on June 22, due to staff shortages. 

It was initially hoped that services would be back in place by July 7, however SA Health had to continue the suspension at that time due to ongoing staff shortages, compounded by COVID and workforce leave.

The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network says the services will be reactivated through a partnership KI Birthing Model of care with metropolitan maternity services.

It says recruitment is underway, but the suspension will remain in place due to the current workforce shortages across the country and state.

The Network says affected women have been contacted and ante and post-natal care will still be available through KI Health Service or Kangaroo Island Medical Clinic, depending on the availability of a GP Obstetrician.

The issue of health workforce shortages is being felt across South Australia.

The town of Kimba on the Eyre Peninsula has been without a permanent GP since 2020 and is offering rent free medical offices and accommodation to a prospective doctor.

Shortages are so severe in the Mallee region SA Health are offering a salary of up to $750 000 for a resident GP to move to the Lameroo-Pineroo region.