RACGP welcomes maternity funding boost

The RACGP has welcomed a $6 million federal funding injection to bolster maternity services in Tasmania as one of the state’s major hospitals prepares to close its maternity ward.
 
Earlier this month, the Hobart Private Hospital’s operator, Healthscope, revealed it was closing its maternity services from 20 August.
 
The hospital currently manages around 500 births every year.
 
Healthscope has also revealed maternity services at Darwin Private Hospital will stop from 6 June due to ‘significant declining private birth rates’ and operational challenges, including local skills shortages.

While in Hobart, the company says the closure is due to ‘ongoing workforce challenges’.
 
It says despite a year-long recruitment campaign, the hospital has been unable to employ any new ‘appropriately qualified midwives to work in the maternity ward’.
 
In response, the Federal Government will provide $6 million to the Tasmanian Government to support the expected increase in demand for maternity services across the public and private system.
 
Speaking from Hobart, Federal Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said the funding is about ‘restoring certainty and support for women and their babies’ and making it easier for them to get local care.

‘Women deserve choice, including policy holders who have taken out gold coverage and want to give birth in a private hospital,’ he said.
 
The RACGP has long been calling for an overhaul of maternity services in several Australian jurisdictions, saying GPs must be allowed to play a greater role in early assessment and the provision of holistic, community care.
 
Last year, the college fronted a Parliamentary Inquiry investigating birthing services, making a long list of recommendations for improved access to parenting supports, children’s health checks, and maternal and reproductive health services.

‘GPs are uniquely placed to provide comprehensive, patient-centred primary care for both women and men for their reproductive health and experience of pregnancy,’ the RACGP’s submission said.
 
With this advocacy in mind, RACGP Tasmania Chair Dr Toby Gardner welcomed the funding boost. 
 
‘I applaud the Albanese Government for its commitment to funding important upgrades to local health services to ensure expectant and new mums can access the care they and their babies need,’ he said. 
 
‘The RACGP has been calling for government funding to ensure access to essential maternity care in Hobart since the St Helen’s Private Hospital was also closed by Healthscope in June of 2023, leaving Tasmania as the only state without a dedicated residential facility. 
 
‘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.’
 
Healthscope Tasmania State Manager Chris Hewison said despite the organisation’s efforts, maintaining a stable and reliable maternity service in Hobart has become ‘increasingly difficult’.

‘We will be working closely with our impacted people to explore redeployment opportunities at Hobart Private Hospital wherever possible, including offering skills retraining,’ he said.
 
‘We’ll also support with securing positions at other Healthscope facilities or assisting them to find roles in other local health settings.’

Mr Hewison confirmed no other services are impacted by the decision, with clinical specialities, including gynaecological services, to continue as usual for patients.

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