ANMF to support midwives with Hobart Private ending maternity services
20 February 2025
Media Opportunity
When: Thursday 20 February 2025 at 2:45pm
Where: ANMF Office 182 Macquarie Street Hobart
Who: ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd
The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) will today reach out to our Midwifery members at Hobart Private Hospital following the decision by Hobart Private Hospital to end the delivery of Maternity Services.
The confirmation comes after ongoing speculation that the maternity service delivery would be removed following suggestions that workforce shortages were causing service disruptions.
However, the ANMF believes that this decision follows on from the decision to close the former Mother and Baby Unit at the previous St Helens Hospital due to poor revenue.
“It is disappointing that yet again Healthscope have put profit over patient care and sadly it is women and babies that will again be most affected with a reduction in maternity care options for women in the South of the State,” ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said.
This announcement follows similar announcements in the Northern Territory, where the ANMF (Northern Territory) has been navigating and passed on earlier this week that it was informed Maternity Services were being closed by Healthscope in Tasmania as well.
The ANMF has been in contact with the Department of Health, which has advised it has been in touch with Calvary with respect to the possibility of meeting some of the demand for private services as well as considering how this will impact on the Royal Hobart Hospital.
“The ANMF has asked that an expansion of the Midwifery Group Practice be considered in order to support many of these women who would likely meet the admission criteria as another option for women who are contemplating care options,” Ms Shepherd said.
“The Department has committed to meeting with all key stakeholders once a withdrawal date for the service is known.
“We will now focus on providing support to our members at Hobart Private Hospital, many of whom have been long standing midwives at Hobart Private Hospital.”
Ms Shepherd said the ANMF has sought a meeting with Hobart Private Hospital management to discuss future options for our members once maternity services are no longer delivered.
“It is ironic this decision comes amid a joint select committee on reproductive, maternal and child health exploring the challenges and barriers that women and their children face in accessing health care and services in Tasmania.
“This is another disappointing blow for women in the South of the State, further reducing private birthing options.
“It is also a reminder that we cannot rely on outsourcing critical health care to private providers, particularly when contingencies will be difficult to implement and likely disadvantage the individuals who require these services.
“The ANMF is committed to continuing to advocate for its members at Hobart Private Maternity in what will no doubt be a tumultuous period for them all.”
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Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.Shepherd@anmftas.org.au