A solution has been announced to address the impending closure of maternity services at the Hobart Private Hospital.
The hospital will cease maternity operations in six months due to critical midwife shortages that have left them unable to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the situation was “simply not good enough” and promised government intervention.
“I’m very pleased to announce that we will be stepping up to provide increased maternity services for Tasmanian mums and bubs alongside Calvary Private Hospital,” he said.
This initiative will be funded through a $6 million dollar federal government investment.
The funding package will also enable the relocation of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s mother and baby unit to a specialised facility at St John’s Park in New Town.
“With this solution, we’re going to make sure that new mums get more care at one of the most important times of their life,” Rockliff said.
“And to the midwives and extended maternity team who have done such an immense job for so long at the Hobart Private Hospital, we’ll be soon reaching out to talk to those who wish to continue working in the best state in the country.”
Calvary’s National CEO Martin Bowles confirmed preparations are underway at their Lenah Valley Hospital to accommodate some of the 600 additional births annually.
“We have had positive discussions with the Tasmanian Government and we know to ensure a safe and sustainable maternity service into the future and absorb the unexpected increased demand for our service, will require midwifery workforce attraction and retention strategies, investment in necessary infrastructure upgrades, and sufficient private insurer funding for maternity.”
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says he has heard the concerns of women across Tasmania.
“We are restoring certainty and support for women and their babies at this crucial time, making it easier for them to get the local care they need,” he said.
