Victorian-based CQU nursing student Jasmine Browne has started an online petition in support of residents who are pushing for the reopening of the Rosebud Hospital birthing unit.

According to The Mornington Peninsula Leader, Jasmine has an overwhelming interest in the return of the maternity ward closed due to a lack of obstetric services.

Jasmine Browne - Photo by Tanya Fry republished with permission from Leader Community Newspapers

The Rye resident and prospective midwifery student is quoted as saying she has "seen first-hand the distress it causes women and their families who have to travel up to an hour to get to Frankston".

Ms Browne, who studies with CQU via distance education, plans to present the petition to the State Government.

"I keep in contact with the local MP who is very helpful and doing his best to push this issue," she told UniNews.

"I have sent off the petitions both online and hard copy that total around 400 signatures so far that he can present to Parliament in the coming week."

Details of the petition are at: http://www.gopetition.com/online/19270.html