Public v private: Shock claims over where to give birth

A TOP obstetrician has weighed in on the private v public hospital debate for where to give birth, claiming mums opting for one sector are potentially putting themselves at risk.

The decision of whether to go private or public for the birth of a child can be a tough call for expecting parents.

A QUEENSLAND Health maternity chief claims the private sector is “overrated” and mothers are placed at greater risk due to longer stays.

Obstetrician Rebecca ­Kimble, chairwoman of the Statewide Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Network, insists the medical expertise lies in the public system, and says long, pampered stays in private hospitals are a recipe for new mothers developing dangerous blood clots.

Ernestina Clifton spent three days at Pindara Hospital followed by a two-day stay at Palazzo Versace with her family. They had a midwife on-hand around the clock and spoke highly of the experience. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I would go to the public system … if you just want to lie around and have somebody cook your meals for you, go private — or you could go to a hotel and catch a clot in the process,” Dr Kimble said.

Some of the state’s hospitals offer the ultimate in maternity luxury, with extended stays in top hotels for the mother, baby and family.

Queensland Health’s deputy director-general Dr John Wakefield diluted the claims.

Dr Kimble’s claims were diluted by Queensland Health’s deputy director-general Dr John Wakefield.

“I would caution anybody saying one is safer than the other (public of private) because we don’t have the evidence of that,” Dr Wakefield said.

“But, yes, if you stay in hospital longer, you are more likely to get hospital-associated problems.”

The latest report by the Queensland Maternal and Perinatal Quality Council shows that of 125,726 babies born in 2014-15, 72 per cent were born in public hospitals. The report also shows the median length of stay in a public hospital after a vaginal delivery was three days, or four days in a private hospital.

“There are some women who say they want to rest up in hospital, and that is a choice,” Dr Wakefield said.

“It’s great that Kate Middleton was off home six hours after having her baby. For many women, that is what they want. Thirty years ago, the dominant model was six hours in and out.”

Dr Kimble said our maternity system’s continuity of care is the envy of other states.

“Everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet,” she said.

“The woman is the custodian of her handheld records, which she takes to all care providers — the midwife, obstetrician and GP — and that helps empower them.”

Pindara Private Hospital on the Gold Coast offers new mothers two days in hospital and two days at Palazzo ­Versace hotel, or three days in hospital and two days at ­Versace after a C-section.

Pindara obstetrician Dr Michael Flynn said the hospital offered excellence with experienced consultants.

“Mothers can expect expert care quickly and access to every possible emergency service if needed. We are proud of our breastfeeding rates, which are a direct result of the time mothers spend with lactation consultants,” he said.

A Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital spokeswoman said public and private organisations had to meet the same standards, set by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

“Every patient at Mater Mothers’ undergoes an individual risk assessment to determine the best preventive strategy for blood clots,” she said.

RAPT TO RECOVER WITH A SPLASH OF LUXURY

ERNESTINA Clifton gave birth to Sahara at Pindara Private Hospital on the Gold Coast via a C-section.

The mother-of-two spent three days in the hospital, followed by a two-day stay at the luxurious Palazzo Versace regal suite, with a midwife on hand around the clock.

Gary Phillips, partner Ernestina Clifton, their baby Sahara Coco and Ernestina’s daughter Maya, 7, at Palazzo Versace’s luxury maternity suite. The family was staying there as part of Pindara Private Hospital’s services. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I didn’t get any rebate for the $550 stay at the hotel from my private health insurance, but it was worth every penny,” Ms Clifton said.

“The benefits of not having to worry about cooking, laundry or cleaning, and putting full focus on the new baby was amazing.

“I had the chance to recover from the surgery, and the midwife was there to help me with breastfeeding, wrapping the baby and settling the baby,” Ms Clifton said.

The Palazzo Platinum Package is available to patients who have been cleared by their doctor for discharge three days after delivery for a natural birth, or four days for a caesarean birth.

“I have an older daughter, Maya, who is seven,” Ms Clifton said.

“It was wonderful for her to enjoy a stay at Versace to welcome the arrival of her ­little sister.

“My partner Gary and I enjoyed the facilities, but most importantly lapped up being looked after. I felt so much more confident when I arrived home with the baby.”

CALM HANDS AT ROYAL LEAD TO HIGH PRAISE

WARNER mum Natasha McKee believes the state’s public maternity system is five-star quality.

“I really do feel that maternity expertise is in the public hospital,” Ms McKee said.

“I delivered all three of my children, including twins at the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, and I don’t think I would have had better treatment in the private system.”

Natasha McKee, pictured with children Darien, 2, and six-month-old twins Bryson and Caleb, rates the public system highly. Picture: Lachie Millard

Ms McKee gave birth to Bryson and Caleb eight months ago via a scheduled ­C-section. “Because I was having twins, I would have been considered high risk, so before the birth I had several one- on-one meetings with an obstetrician and felt I was in great hands,” she said.

“Delivering the twins didn’t really cost me anything and I think it is amazing to be offered that kind of first-class treatment for free.”

Ms McKee spent five nights in hospital after the birth. “One of the twins had fluid in the lungs and had to be rushed to the special care ­nursery. But the staff were so good, they didn’t stress me out,” she said.

“It was calm and I felt informed. The thing I really ­appreciate is that I was consulted and asked how I felt about having a C-section and my feelings were taken into consideration.”

Ms McKee’s partner Samuel stayed overnight with her at the hospital. “I had a lot of help with breastfeeding and the handling of twins in the hospital and when I got home I had a midwife visit until I felt comfortable to do it alone,” she said.