Lifeline for mums, bubs as NT Government delivers private maternity package

The NT Government has come to the aid of private patients impacted by the shock shutdown of Darwin Private Hospital’s maternity ward. Read how.

Steve Edgington speaking a new assistance plan for NT mums after Healthscope canned its maternity offerings at Darwin Private Hospital.

The Territory Government has launched a replacement plan for pregnant mums impacted by Healthscope’s shock shutdown of maternity services at Darwin Private Hospital.

Health Minister Steve Edgington on Friday announced a new package of measures that will enable private patients to work with NT Health’s clinicians and midwives at the Maternity Services Unit during the term of the pregnancy.

While the babies of privately insured patients will be delivered at Royal Darwin Hospital from April 17, when Healthscope officially ends private maternity services at DPH, the NT Government has opened up two private options post birth.

New parents will be able to stay at one of Darwin’s boutique hotels with their family, with 24/7 maternity support and the option to stay with their partner for a number of days at a resort with access to restaurants, room-service, a deluxe king bed, ensuite and access to resort recreational facilities.

Mr Edgington told media he had known Healthscope were on rocky ground for at least six months but denied prior knowledge of the closure of the maternity services.

They will also have the choice of returning home with 24/7 maternity support with additional services including cleaning, meal preparation and wellness programs and a new ‘mum and bub pack’.

At a Friday morning media event, Mr Edgington announced about 30 staff impacted by the DPH shutdown would be provided with fast-track employment options within NT Health.

He said discussions with Darwin-based private obstetricians were also underway, with the option of providing private care to mothers birthing at Royal Darwin Hospital.

A transition nurse unit manager has been appointed by NT Health to support families and answer questions.

Mr Edgington said Healthscope told him soon after the government was elected in August that it was in trouble, but he denied he had sat on news of the closure for six months.

“We first heard very, very early after coming into government – around September or early October, I was certainly made aware that Healthscope were having some difficulties here in Darwin.

“As time went by we were certainly hoping that we would have some definite date around what the plan was if those services would cease.

“Just a couple of weeks ago we had the final date that those services would close (on April 17th.)

“We’ve had different conversations through NT Health and Healthscope over the last six months to ensure that if that decision was made, that we’ve been prepared to step in and make sure that expectant families and services and support from NT Health.”

Originally published as Lifeline for mums, bubs as NT Government delivers private maternity package