The maternity figures were released along with the July to September quarterly statistics from the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) regarding emergency department and elective surgery performance.

During the July to September period 140 babies were delivered at the Queanbeyan Hospital, up from 97 in the same quarter last year, representing a 44 per cent increase.

General Manager in Monaro Nicola Yates said the figures represented the growing population relying on the hospital but also highlighted the high regard Queanbeyan maternity ward was held in.

“We are very proud of our maternity services and receive regular feedback from patients on the excellent service our staff provide which results in a positive experience for mothers and their families,” Ms Yates said.

“Women who may have previously chosen to birth elsewhere are now choosing Queanbeyan based on our excellent reputation, which includes an increased number of ACT residents.”

The BHI data showed the Queanbeyan Hospital had also experienced a significant rise in the number of patients presenting to the emergency department.

There was an almost 10 per cent increase in the number of ED admissions in this quarter compared to last year from 4793 to 5261. According to NSW Health a worse than expected flu season was partially responsible for the rise.

Despite the increase in patients ED wait times held steady on the whole and even demonstrated some decline. Ninety per cent of non-urgent patients were seen within 113 minutes compared to 130 in the same 2016 quarter.

“We monitor the activity in the department in real time to identify unnecessary delays, and ensure the care we provide is appropriate and timely,” Ms Yates said.

“The performance over the busy winter season was very pleasing to see and a credit to all concerned.”

The main area where Queanbeyan Hospital showed signs of regression was in semi-urgent elective surgeries.

While the hospital still came in within the government recommended 90 days for such surgeries the median wait time grew from 36 days last year to 54 days in the recent quarter.

Ms Yates said she was pleased the hospital fell well within the 90 day recommendation and said the longer wait was due to increased demand.