A lack of on-call anaesthetists at the South Coast District Hospital will force expectant mothers to travel to Mount Barker for birthing services over the Christmas period.

Finniss MP David Basham told ABC Radio that expectant mothers were only told of the situation, which applies from today, Monday 11 December, on Friday.

He says it is disappointing that women about to give birth will have to make arrangements to get to Mount Barker’s Soldiers Memorial Hospital at such short notice.

“The Mount Barker Road, between Mount Barker and Victor Harbor, is not fabulous.”

The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Networks manages the South Coast District Hospital and Soldiers Memorial Hospital for SA Health.

Interim CEO Bronwyn Masters says a short term unexpected shortage of rostered anaesthetists will affect the hospital from 11 to 18 December and 23 December to 3 January.