Bacchus Marsh hospital baby deaths soar to 12, while 43 alleged botched births probed

TWELVE babies have now been found to have died in potentially avoidable circumstances at the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital.

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TWELVE babies have now been found to have died in potentially avoidable circumstances at the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital.

Also, in a further escalation of the scandal engulfing the regional health service, the Herald Sun can reveal that Victoria’s Health Services Commissioner has begun 43 more investigations into allegations of botched births.

A second extensive investigation of infant deaths at the hospital has uncovered a further five suspect deaths between 2001 and 2013, which had not previously been disclosed by the health service.

Five months ago, an initial investigation found seven of 11 stillbirths or newborn deaths at the hospital in 2013 and 2014 may have been avoidable.

The second review, by Professor Euan Wallace, was handed to the health department last month, leading to heartbreaking meetings with the families identified.

Officials are now visiting parents whose babies died up to 15 years ago to tell them their loss may have been the result of previously undeclared medical error or negligence.

Bacchus Marsh & Melton Hospital.

The Herald Sun understands four of the families have already been informed that hospital failings may have led to the death of their child.

Authorities are still trying to find the family involved in a fifth tragic case.

The Office of the Health Services Commissioner revealed the 43 complaints relate to events between 1990 and 2015 — including 15 in 2013.

“All of those complaining have raised issues relating to the management of pregnancy and labour. The specifics and severity of the issues raised in the complaints vary,” it said.

Health minister Jill Hennessy gave the office of the commissioner unprecedented permission to give the information, in the public interest.

Djerriwarrh Health Services — which operates the hospital — said it was working closely with the commissioner to resolve complaints and conduct confidential conciliations.

“Everything that can possibly be done to ensure the wellbeing of affected women and families is being and has been done,” it said.

Timeline of tragedy.

“This is a painful and complex situation and it will continue to be so for some time to come. All parties are being treated with the utmost sensitivity and respect, and we ask for anybody associated to act in the same way.”

The health department refused to discuss Prof Wallace’s findings last night, but Georgia Brumby, speaking for Ms Hennessy, confirmed meetings with those affected had begun.

“Until all of the individuals involved have the full facts of their case it is inappropriate to comment further,” Ms Brumby said.

“Our primary concern has always been, and still remains, that the women and families involved are provided with accurate information about the care they received, in a safe and supportive environment. Once this is complete … the minister will make a full public statement.”

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency is believed to be investigating doctors, nurses and other practitioners at Bacchus Marsh after being provided with thousands of pages of medical records by Djerriwarrh a fortnight ago.

AHPRA CEO Martin Fletcher could not say how many investigations it had begun: “Our main concern is making sure we find all relevant information.”

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