An independent review into maternity care at the Royal Hobart Hospital has found significant staffing issues are impacting the quality of care for new mothers.
The review was launched following safety concerns raised by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), which claimed a baby died due to understaffing.
The Health Department refuted those claims at the time, saying there was no evidence to support them, which the review has now confirmed.
However, the review did uncover staffing problems and, according to the ANMF’s Emily Shepherd, found the “vast majority” of issues raised by its members were valid.
“Given the sheer volume of recommendations, there is clearly much more work to be done to both effect them and make the much needed improvements for staff, women and babies,” she said.
The review panel made 38 recommendations that focus heavily on staffing levels, medication procedures and overall care policies and processes.
Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the state government is “taking this report very seriously”.
“We … want to ensure we are doing everything possible to provide safe and high-quality care to mothers and babies at what is a very significant time for families,” she said.
Department Secretary Dale Webster said all recommendations will be put into practice under an implementation committee “as a priority” in the coming months
“Rightfully, our health service should be held to high standards when it comes to the delivery of health care to Tasmanians,’’ he said.
