General News
6 September, 2024
Birthing return date announced
SOUTH West Healthcare has announced Camperdown Hospital’s birthing services will resume from next Monday.
In a statement published on its website, South West Healthcare chief executive officer Craig Fraser said the services will resume from Monday, September 9.
“We look forward to welcoming our local mothers-to-be back to the service from this date with the knowledge that we will continue to provide you and your newborn the caring and safe service Camperdown is known for,” he said.
“After some unexpected maternity attendances at the Camperdown Hospital in late July and early August we commissioned a review process initiated by South West Healthcare management teams across both Camperdown and Warrnambool.
“The aim was to ensure our systems were aligned and robust responses were in place.
“The review of our systems and processes was undertaken with a priority of safe, patient care and staff at front of mind.”
Mr Fraser said the pause, which began on Monday, August 5, was to provide time to undertake the review.
“During this time, we worked with expectant mothers who were potentially due to give birth during the temporary diversion period and alternative birthing arrangements were put in place,” he said.
“At no stage during the review was a decision to close the Camperdown Hospital birthing service considered.
“Our primary decision making in relation to service reviews will always be around ensuring our service has the required systems in place.
“Also, that we conducted this review in a thorough and timely manner, acknowledging that this is an important service for Camperdown and the surrounding communities.”
Mr Fraser said the review identified a “departure from our processes and systems,” as well as improvements to the maternity program.
“We have worked with staff and local general practitioners to implement the required updates to clinical procedures and workforce availability, support, education, training and communication systems,” he said.
“We have appreciated the collaborative efforts of staff and patients into the review and are pleased to report the patients involved are well and welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback.”
Mr Fraser said South West Healthcare understood and appreciated the community’s advocacy throughout the review process but assures the community reviews were “common practice” and “reflect robust clinical governance oversight”.
“They ensure we continue to provide high-quality patient first care and that safe functional systems are continuously maintained for our patients, clients and consumers, who remain our number one priority,” he said.
“Thanks to the recent review, South West Healthcare will now be better prepared for these occurrences.
“It’s important to note that service capabilities at Camperdown may fluctuate from time to time, and while any change to service levels is not the preferred option, we acknowledge that it happens for a number of reasons, including staffing and doctor availability.
“The service will immediately notify those directly affected of any change during these times.
“It is important to note however, that all maternity services (pre and post birthing) will continue to be available to mothers at all times as they have been during the recent review period.”