Cooma Health Service GP Obstetrician Dr Andrew Egan has just attended his 1,000th birth at Cooma Hospital.

Cooma Health Service Manager Elizabeth Mendes said for many of the children in the Monaro today Dr Egan was the first person they ever met.

“Dr Egan has performed an outstanding job welcoming a thousand people into the world in Cooma.

“He is a well-respected GP Obstetrician, and staff look forward to working with him for the next thousand.”

Cooma averages 200 births a year and Dr Egan is one of only two local on-call GP Obstetricians. This often means being available on-call around 72 hours per week to attend maternity at any hour when the need arises.

This comes on top of a commitment to running a busy general practice as well as anaesthetic and emergency room roles.

Dr Egan is pleased with reaching this milestone.

“Since arriving here in 1988 there have been many memorable births that come to mind. I love watching the babies grow up and was recently pleased to share a glass of wine with the family of a fine young 18 year-old who I delivered under very difficult circumstances in 1991.”

“Cooma is fortunate to have a fantastic group of dedicated and professional midwives providing first class care to our local mothers in a unit that is second to none.”

“I’ve always seen the doctor’s role as one of providing backup and support for the times when more specialised medical help is required. It’s critical to the safety of childbirth in rural areas that such assistance is available quickly when needed and that’s what being a GP Obstetrician is about.”

Dr Egan said obstetrics is the most rewarding part of his practice feeling privileged to be invited to participate in what for many couples is their most profound and powerful experience.