KERANG District Health has categorically refuted media reports that it has been “stripped of its maternity services” in the wake of a Victoria-wide review of hospital safety and quality assurance.
The reports followed the release of the report of a three-member review panel appointed by the Victorian Government that followed revelations of a cluster of perinatal deaths at the Djerriwarrh Health Services at Bacchus Marsh.
Melbourne’s two daily newspapers referred to a number of rural hospitals in reports about the release of the review panel report, including claims that Kerang District Health was among four hospitals “stripped of their maternity services” and “maternity services have been downgraded at hospitals… in Kerang.”
The Herald Sun repeated the claim in an editorial the following day.
Kerang District Health board president, Simon Hall said that the wording in the newspaper reports were “very disappointing”.
“The cessation of birthing services at Kerang in August last year was a direct result in our GP [general practitioner] obstetrician relocating to Melbourne, not based on damning findings that the birthing services at Kerang were unsafe.
Health service chief executive officer, Robert Jarman said that the hospital worked within its scope of practice, including working with Swan Hill District Hospital, which has three specialist obstetricians, and Bendigo Health, while providing midwifery antenatal services at Kerang.
Mr Jarman said that the health service continued to advertise for additional general practitioners, including those with obstetrics qualifications.
The health service has asked the Department of Health and Human Services to respond to this unfair assessment of Kerang District Health by the Herald Sun article.
The Minister for Health, Jill Hennessey did not specifically address Kerang’s stance during an interview on ABC radio, but said that she would not tolerate hospitals working outside their scope of practice.
“I have no appetite for hospitals carrying out births without the appropriate staff,” she said.
The Review of Hospital Safety and Quality Assurance in Victoria was chaired by Grattan Institute health program director, Dr Stephen Duckett and also comprised Kyneton District Health Service chief executive officer, Maree Cuddihy and Alfred Health director of general medicine, Associate Professor Harvey Newnham.
Its 179 recommendations relate to safety and quality improvement, skilled and effective boards of management, better data sharing, access to independent clinical expertise and a stronger focus on improving patients’ care.
