‘Stripped of choice’: Lauren saddened by Hobart Private Hospital maternity ward closure

One of the many Tasmanian mums lamenting the impending loss of Hobart Private Hospital’s maternity services speaks out, saying she’s sad to lose the service she had recommended to others.

Lauren Hennessy had two babies which were born in the Hobart Private Hospital maternity unit – Theodore (2021) and Easton (2024).

Lauren Hennessy is one of the many Tassie mums currently lamenting the impending loss of Hobart Private Hospital’s maternity services.

A day after private hospital operator Healthscope announced it would close the CBD maternity ward from 20 August this year due to “ongoing workforce challenges”, Ms Hennessy told the Mercury the decision had robbed expectant Tasmanian parents of valuable choice.

The mother of two said she was “saddened” that family and friends to whom she had recommended the Hobart Private Hospital’s services would not have the opportunity to experience the same treatment her own family received.

Lauren Hennessy had two babies which were born in the Hobart Private Hospital maternity unit – Theodore, left, (2021) and Easton (2024).

“Our first experience at the Hobart Private Hospital maternity ward was in 2021 to birth our son Theodore,” Ms Hennessy said.

“From the moment we checked in we felt welcome, cared for, and reassured by the wonderful midwives.

“Although I’m sure the staff were extremely busy, they still took the time to thoroughly explain things to us and have some friendly chit-chat, which helped to make our hospital stay so much more enjoyable.

“When we fell pregnant with our second son, Easton, we knew straight away we wanted to go back to the HPH again given the wonderful initial experience we had there.

“Expectant parents of Hobart deserve choice, and I believe they have now been stripped of that.”

*Were you or your child/children born at Hobart Private? Send us a baby or family photos to lend a human face to our campaign to secure maternity services for Tasmanians. Email it through to us at [e-mail]

Originally published as ‘Stripped of choice’: Lauren saddened by Hobart Private Hospital maternity ward closure