An independent investigation will be launched into the maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital following claims that a baby died due to understaffing.
The investigation was ordered by Health Minister Guy Barnett after the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and current and former staff raised concerns about the issue earlier this week.
The Department of Health initially said it was ‘unable to corroborate’ the union’s claims after reviewing staff rosters.
Now, Minister Barnett says the independent probe will examine issues including safe rostering practices and patient safety in the hospital’s maternity ward.
“The claims made by nurses and midwives through the ANMF and the media are very serious,” he said.
“While the Department has undertaken an initial review of rosters and has not uncovered any issues, I will instruct a further independent examination.”
The ANMF has previously raised concerns about understaffing and its impact on patient care, with one midwife reportedly responsible for up to 25 patients a day.
“These appalling conditions should never have been allowed to eventuate in a maternity unit where the lives of women and their babies depend on sufficient midwifery staffing levels along with their health care colleagues,” ANMF branch secretary Emily Shepherd said.
“The fact the midwives internal escalation of their grave concerns and that quality care delivery is currently often not possible being ignored and not responded to is at best unacceptable.”
The investigation will be led by an “appropriate independent person” following further consultation with the ANMF.
