An independent investigation into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital will be led by Amanda Singleton, the state government has announced.
The investigation comes after concerns were raised by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and past and present staff over the alleged death of a baby due to understaffing.
Health Minister Guy Barnett said Singleton has extensive experience as a nurse, midwife and health consultant across her 35-year career.
“The safety of mothers and babies is of paramount importance and the claims made by nurses and midwives through the ANMF and the media are very serious,” he said.
“The Department has been unable to corroborate these claims, that is why I have instructed the Department of Health to initiate this independent investigation, for which Ms Singleton is extensively qualified to lead.”
Singleton will be tasked with reviewing the hospital’s maternity services and providing recommendations for improvement within the next four weeks.
“I again assure the community that as a government, we are doing everything possible to ensure Tasmanian mothers and babies are getting the health care they expect and deserve,” Barnett said.
More on this story: Investigation into Royal Hobart Hospital maternity service after baby death claims
