The head of the Canberra Hospital's obstetric and gynaecology unit has decided to step down after reviews following allegations of workplace.

Several people from the staff resigned after the unit had to face two external reviews following allegations of workplace about people being bullied and being harassed.

Across ACT maternity services were examined by the first review and it was found at the Canberra Hospital that there was too much of a workload for staff there and inappropriate behavior was faced by some.

There was a second enquiry after this and it was about harassment allegations and bullying of the staff but the conclusions are being kept in files and no one knows about them.

According to Health Minister Katy Gallagher, for pursuing other possible options, Dr Anne Sneddon is taking 12 months leave.

She further added that the unit has faced a lot of turbulence for 12 months.

She said, "I really can't answer why Dr Sneddon has chosen now other than to say I think for everyone who has worked in the unit it has been a difficult 12 months."