ANMF calls on Government to remove makeshift Obstetric Theatre at LGH

WHAT: Media Opportunity – Emily Shepherd ANMF Secretary

WHERE: ANMF Office – 54 Tamar Street, Launceston

WHEN: TODAY 1:00pm

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) has been calling on the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) and the Government to remove a makeshift obstetric emergency theatre established this week in the recovery room at the LGH, to deliver babies via caesarean in an emergency if another theatre is not available.

The makeshift theatre has been established as capital works on improving ventilation continues on the two theatres that had ventilation issues last year and saw several staff effected to the point of needing medical treatment. The intent is that the makeshift theatre is a contingency plan if another theatre is not available, however, ANMF members who raised concerns on Sunday, believe that this is not a viable contingency and called on management to keep suspending elective surgery until the capital works are complete, so a theatre is available for obstetric emergencies.

‘Our member are extremely concerned on a number of levels regarding this contingency plan. Infection control, ventilation and importantly patient confidentiality, this plan would see a women having her baby delivered behind curtains in a recovery room that would potentially have up to 30 people waking up from their surgeries, including children, said ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd.

The Capital works have been planned for some time and members believe that a viable and safe contingency for obstetric emergencies should have been developed, rather than a makeshift solution that puts, women, staff and other patients at risk. Whilst the ANMF recognise that in an emergency situation it’s all hands-on deck and the location of where that emergency takes place can’t always be pre-planned, but in this situation, it can be and members do not want any women to have to deliver their baby with an audience, particularly in a stressful situation like a code blue emergency.

The ANMF has spent the week attempting to resolve this matter collaboratively with management and the Ministers office, but members refuse to let the significant safety matter remain unresolved any longer which is why they have chosen to be whistle-blowers.

‘Clearly, our members recognise that keeping a theatre free for obstetric emergencies is not ideal as is likely to delay some patient’s elective surgeries, but the reality is that our members want to see all surgeries undertaken safely without the risks posed by surgeries being performed in non-sterile and inappropriate surrounding’

The ANMF are calling on the Tasmanian Health Minister to intervene and direct the LGH to remove the makeshift theatre and ensure that a theatre is kept free for obstetric code blues until the capital works are complete.

-End-

Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.Shepherd@anmftas.org.au