Mothers and babies swelter in Launceston General Hospital maternity ward

The Premier and Health Minister have been accused of failing to uphold their duty of care towards newborns and their mums at a major hospital.

SHORTCOMINGS with air conditioning at the Launceston General Hospital had left mothers and babies sweltering during Monday’s heatwave, Labor says.

Deputy Opposition leader Michelle O’Byrne said the conditions on the maternity ward were appalling and unacceptable.

“Not only are new mothers having to cope with the discomfort of high temperatures just after having given birth, the health of mums and babies is being put at risk,” she said.

“Babies are unable to regulate their body temperature and need to be in conditions no hotter than 19-20 degrees.

“Overheated rooms have been associated with a number of adverse health outcomes.

“Newborns are among the most vulnerable patients in hospitals, yet are being provided with the least safe conditions in terms of overheating.”

Ms O’Byrne said Premier Will Hodgman and Health Minister Sarah Courtney had a duty of care to Tasmanians, but were failing to uphold it.

A Tasmanian Health Service spokesman said the hospital’s air conditioning system was currently being upgraded.

“Over the last two years, $1.4 million has been invested to upgrade cooling at the Launceston General Hospital, with priority areas chosen by local management in consultation with senior staff,” the spokesman said.

“These are the first major upgrades in the decades since the hospital was built, and are providing cooling in areas of the hospital that have never had this before.

“Further upgrades will be considered as part of the ongoing $87.3 million Launceston General Hospital Redevelopment, in consultation with the community, staff and stakeholders.”

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation state secretary Emily Shepherd said the hot conditions were also tough for workers.

“Employers have an obligation to manage risk to employees, including those associated with working in heat,” she said.

“In this instance it not only applies to staff but also, as a health provider, supporting patients whose personal factors increase the need for good climate control.”