AMA Tasmania President Dr John Saul said that the AMA had long held concerns

Tasmania’s Australian Medical Association president says a staff exodus at a private hospital has women in labour being turned away, calling for urgent action to protect mothers and babies >>

AMA Tasmania President Dr John Saul. Picture: Chris Kidd

THE state branch of the Australian Medical Association says North-West Private Hospital public maternity services are no longer safe and must be immediately transferred to the North-West Regional Hospital to protect mothers and babies.

AMA Tasmania President Dr John Saul said a staff exodus from the private hospital meant women in labour were being turned away.

“The private hospital has had to go on bypass four times since December and should have gone on bypass on other occasions because of lack of staff to support the service,” Dr Saul said.

“Women in the North-West who are in labour should not have to be turned away from the front door in Burnie and told to go to the Launceston General Hospital or the Royal Hobart Hospital to give birth.”

The North West Private Hospital. (AAP Image/Simon Sturzaker)

Dr Saul said the AMA welcomed the government’s 2020 recommendation to recommence public birthing services at the regional hospital, however the process was taking too long.

“We cannot afford to wait until November 2024 for the transition team to complete its work before public maternity services are taken back into public hands. This is a medical emergency, and action must occur now.”

Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government was committed to providing safe maternity services for families in the North-West.

“The Department continues to examine what immediate changes can be made to address concerns within the service and meets weekly with a locally-based project team to ensure the transition occurs as quickly as possible, whilst ensuring a safe transition of services,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We will continue to engage with the AMA over their concerns, acknowledging that there are significant complexities in changing the way the current service operates, and careful planning is needed to ensure a safe transition of public maternity services.”