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.
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. To provide time to undertake the review South West Healthcare management made the decision to temporarily pause birthing services at Camperdown on Monday 5 August.
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.
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.
The initial review has now been completed. It identified a departure from our processes and systems, along with improvements to be made across our maternity program to ensure we maintain the high-quality care the service is known for. 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.
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.
South West Healthcare also understand and appreciate the community’s advocacy surrounding this review however, we have been incredibly disappointed that during this process a patient’s private experience was shared very publicly both statewide and throughout the local community, without consent. This is unacceptable.
Reviews to clinical services are 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.
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.