Maternity services in the North West will begin operating within the public system from December 2023, almost a year earlier than originally planned.
The announcement by the Tasmanian Liberal Government brings forward the transition of services from the North West Private Hospital (NWPH) to the Tasmanian Health System (THS) from the initial date of November 2024.
This change means that all elements of the maternity service – including inpatient, birthing, clinics, and community midwifery services – will be available through the public system by the end of this year.
Premier and Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, said that the Government has always said if we could bring forward our transition timeline in a safe and sustainable way, then we would do everything we can to do that.
“I am pleased that the Department has been able to provide a revised timeline that will see public inpatient and birthing services safely bought forward to December this year,” said Premier Rockliff.
“Women and families in the North West can be assured that the safety of maternity services in the region is a top priority of our Government and the new service is well positioned to provide high-quality care to mothers and babies across the region.”
“I want to thank the North West Private Hospital and its owners, Healthe Care, for working with us to ensure that we can achieve an early transition and give certainty to patients and staff, and for their ongoing commitment to continue to deliver services over the coming months.
“Transitioning to publicly delivered maternity services in the North West will deliver more connected statewide services, strengthen support for our workforce, and provide greater choice for mothers.
“The new THS maternity service will also create opportunities for maternity staff working at the NWPH who wish to embark on the transition journey with us. Anyone who wishes to be part of the new service will have the opportunity to do so with the protection of existing entitlements.
The Department of Health will continue to work closely with the NWPH through this process to facilitate a smooth transition that ensures the needs of patients are met and staff are fully supported.
The NWPH currently employs the birthing suite and maternity staff and provides space for this service. To enable the transition to occur, the Department of Health will lease the required space at the NWPH to deliver services within its current footprint, while the delivery of the Government’s North West Masterplan progresses which foresees a new Women’s and Children’s Precinct.
The current contract between the Tasmanian Government and North West Private Hospital will cease simultaneously on the commencement of the new service model.
