The Tasmanian Government has released the final report of the independent investigation of maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH), highlighting an ongoing commitment to the continuous improvement of health services provided in Tasmania.
The final report includes 38 recommendations that are aimed at improving the RHH maternity service for those accessing the service, and for all staff who are working within the unit.
The recommendations cover a range of important matters including staffing levels and models, recruitment processes, leadership and culture, breastfeeding support, processes relating to the induction of labour, and consumer engagement.
The panel could not determine any association between a stillbirth or neonatal death related to a delayed induction of labour, as had been alleged prior to the review being established.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the Tasmanian Government has an ongoing commitment to improving the health services provided across Tasmania.
"We are taking this report very seriously and want to ensure we are doing everything possible to provide safe and high-quality care to mothers and babies at what is a very significant time for families," Minister Petrusma said.
"I want to acknowledge Ms Amanda Singleton for her important role in leading this investigation and thank her and her panel for their diligent and thorough work in conducting this investigation.
"Importantly, I would also like to thank all of the health consumers and staff who contributed to this investigation through written submissions and in-person consultation sessions that occurred in recent months."
Secretary of the Department of Health, Dale Webster, said the Department of Health is committed to improving maternity services across the State.
"Rightfully, our health service should be held to high standards when it comes to the delivery of health care to Tasmanians,'' Mr Webster said.
"As recommended in the report, an implementation committee will be formed to guide and oversee the progress made in improving maternity services.
"This committee will report regularly to me as the Secretary of the Department of Health, and I look forward to seeing this work progressed as a priority in the coming months."
Adjunct Professor Francine Douce, the Chief Nurse and Midwife for Tasmania, said there is an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in all health services, including nursing and midwifery.
"With the release of this report today, it is an opportunity for us to improve the maternity service and ensure it is the absolute best it can be,'' Adjunct Professor Douce said.
The independent investigation included significant consultation with staff and consumers, with 50 written submissions received and 61 interviews conducted.
There were also several opportunities for in-person input from RHH Maternity Unit staff and consumers, with the panel travelling to Tasmania on two separate occasions.
The final report is published in full here: www.health.tas.gov.au/maternity/investigation
