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Private hospital operator Healthscope is to close maternity services at its Darwin and Hobart hospitals.
Darwin Private Hospital is to lose its services from April 17 while Hobart Private is expected to lose its services on August 20.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
NT Health Minister Steve Edgington says the decision is “deeply disappointing”.
“All expectant families affected by the closure will be contacted to reassure them that safe care will be provided throughout the transition to Royal Darwin Hospital,” he says.
The minister says 114 families will be affected with clinicians and midwives to help them make the move to Royal Darwin.
Edgington says they are also looking at two (private) options: a post-natal maternity retreat at a hotel or a return-home-sooner deal with 24/7 support.
Affected families can call 0474 217 962 or email [email protected]
Healthscope says birth rates at Darwin Private Hospital have steadily fallen in the last decade, from nearly 700 births in 2013 to less than 300 births in 2024 and worsened by increasing difficulty in recruiting experienced staff, particularly paediatricians.
Healthscope’s Northern Territory Manager Tim Daniel says the decision was “incredibly difficult” to make.
“Closing a service is always a last resort option. Over the past 12 months, we have carefully looked at options for the maternity service at Darwin Private Hospital, including different service models and a reduction in capacity,” he says.
“Unfortunately, operational issues have become overwhelming.”
Darwin Private Hospital will accept its last maternity booking on April 10.
Edgington says talks are under way with private obstetricians about caring for mothers birthing at Royal Darwin and that they will work with affected staff to fast-track job options.
TASMANIA
Tasmania’s Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma says they were given a formal six-month notice by Healthscope that it will close maternity services at Hobart Private on August 20.
The hospital operator says it has been unable to find new midwives despite a 12-month recruitment campaign and has been flying in six agency midwives.
Healthscope Victoria/Tasmania State Manager Chris Hewison says they looked at ways of maintaining the maternity service and tried to recruit the full-time midwives they needed.
“Unfortunately, these efforts haven’t secured the workforce we need and has made maintaining a stable and reliable maternity service increasingly difficult.”
Last admissions at Hobart Private will be accepted on August 13.
Petrusma says her government is disappointed by this decision and called on the federal government to help.
“We understand this news would be concerning to those who may be affected, and we encourage Healthscope to provide detailed information to the community as soon as possible,” she says.
“Our government stands ready to work with the federal government, key stakeholders and private providers such as Calvary Healthcare …”
Petrusma says support is needed to ensure that Calvary, Royal Hobart and Calvary Lenah Valley hospitals can manage with the extra patients.
She also says the government wants to help those from the maternity unit to keep working in the state.
