Blacktown Hospital baby deaths: more obstetricians committed, emergency theatre opens

Western Sydney Health has revealed the number of obstetricians to be hired to combat shortfalls in staffing on the besieged wards at Blacktown Hospital.

Nurses, midwives and doctors have raised the alarm over shortfalls in staffing in the obstetrics ward at Blacktown Hospital. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Obstetricians who threatened the quit their jobs after the horrifying death of five newborn babies at Blacktown Hospital have been told the district has started the hiring process for between six and 10 clinicians.

Western Sydney Local Health Chief Executive Graeme Loy

Earlier this month, Blacktown Hospital saw as many as 20 obstetricians raise the alarm following the tragic death four babies in 18 months at the Western Sydney Local Health District hospital, while more than 100 nurses walked off the job last week in dispute as well.

Western Sydney Local Health District chief Graeme Loy revealed the district’s decision to increased permanent staffing numbers to service the besieged ward.

It has also rolled out emergency Locum doctors at Blacktown to automatically increase staffing — during a discussion panel at the Western Sydney Health Forum on Wednesday night, moderated by NewsLocal.

“Any death in any of our services is a tragedy, both for the family and our staff as well,” Mr Loy said. “In the next couple of days we will have a position where we are all comfortable around what we are planning to do moving forward.”

Mr Loy said clinicians suggested they would “reverse” their positions around walking away from the hospital if staffing numbers hadn’t increased by the February deadline.

“From the men and women of obstetrics, there is a really strong commitment to the women of western Sydney, a strong commitment to Blacktown Hospital and a strong desire to help us solve this problem.

“We are working with nurses and midwives who brought issues to the table … they have our attention.”

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Graham Loy hold a press conference at NSW Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The district chief said a senior consultant was at Blacktown Hospital to navigate requirements and needs of the unit — identifying the need for between six and 10 obstetricians.

“We have already opened the obstetrics theatre for emergency caesarean sections, this is up and running and had its first procedures and deliveries in there,” he said.

Blacktown Hospital nurses and midwives on strike. Supplied

“We have already made some inroads and are advertising positions.

“Starting today, we have had Locum (doctors) fly up from Victoria to work with us over the next six months at Blacktown Hospital.”