Lee Gruner: Doctor was unable to fulfil role during Bacchus Marsh Hospital baby deaths

A director at the “dysfunctional” Bacchus Marsh Hospital’s maternity ward will face disciplinary action over her role in baby deaths.

A former hospital consultant director has been found to have committed misconduct after a number of babies were stillborn or died in the clinic’s maternity ward.

A Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found Lee Gruner, former director at Djerriwarrh Health Services, continued in her role despite knowing she was unable to meet its requirements which included reviewing serious incidents.

It was revealed in 2015 that the health service, which operated a maternity ward at Bacchus Marsh Hospital, was being investigated over the deaths of 11 babies, seven of which were later found to have been avoidable.

Dr Gruner was not accused of being responsible for the infant deaths but faced professional misconduct allegations for governance failings during her tenure from 2009-15.

At a hearing earlier this year, she contested the allegations, telling the tribunal the hospital was “dysfunctional” and she was not given a “skerrick of authority” by its chief executive.

The Medical Board of Australia brought professional misconduct allegations against Dr Gruner, arguing her performance was below the standard reasonably expected of a health practitioner of her experience.

But VCAT found she accepted and continued her role as Consultant Director of Medical Services despite knowing that she could not adequately fulfil its requirements.

Deficiencies in Dr Gruner’s performance were also found in other areas.

VCAT will hand down a decision on penalties later.