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Private hospital operator Healthscope will extend maternity services in Darwin to June 6 while Canberra gave Tasmania $6m to cope with the company’s Hobart service closure in August.
Health Minister Steve Edgington said 45 of 114 expectant families affected by the original closing date of April 17 can now have their birth at Darwin Private Hospital.
EARLIER STORY: Darwin, Hobart to lose private maternity services
“While this is good news, we want to reassure the expectant families remaining that safe, supportive and positive care will be provided throughout the transition to Royal Darwin Hospital,” he says.
The minister says NT Health clinicians and midwives at the Maternity Services Unit will help expectant families to switch to Royal Darwin Hospital.
The government is also working with major private insurance providers on two alternative private maternity models: a luxury post-natal maternity retreat or a return home sooner package.
“We are also working on the finer details of the two private options with more information available in the coming weeks,” Edgington says
NT Health is also working with Darwin Private staff affected by the closure on fast-tracked job options.
Each year, more than 2150 babies are delivered at Royal Darwin Hospital, the government says.
Families impacted by Healthscope’s decision can call 0474 217 962 or email [email protected]
TASMANIA
Meanwhile, Canberra has given Tasmania $6m to help cope with greater demand after maternity services at Healthscope’s Hobart hospital ends this August.
The funding will be spent on infrastructure and equipment upgrades in the Tasmanian Health Service and at Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says they are restoring certainty and support for mothers and their babies.
Tasmanian Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma says the extra funding means they can meet increased demand at the Royal Hobart and Calvary Lenah Valley hospitals.
“Importantly, the funding will also assist us in moving the mother and baby unit from the RHH to St John’s Park in New Town,” she says.
She adds that this move will provide more holistic support outside a hospital for mothers with postnatal challenges.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) welcomed news of the funding.
RACGP Tasmania chairman Dr Toby Gardner says they have been calling for government funding since the St Helen’s Private Hospital was closed by Healthscope in June 2023.
“This will help ensure the significant demand for these services in the area is met and that families can make the best possible start in life,” he says.
