Vic: Lack of anaesthetists forces maternity ward closure

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-2003
Vic: Lack of anaesthetists forces maternity ward closure

MELBOURNE, Dec 31 AAP - A lack of anaesthetists has forced a Melbourne hospital to
temporarily close its maternity ward, forcing 54 expectant mothers to seek birthing options
at other sites.

The bayside Williamstown Hospital obstetric service has been suspended because it does
not have adequate numbers of anaesthetists to cover the on-call roster through January
and February, Western Health director of anaesthetic services Dr John Monagle said.

"Patient safety is our paramount concern and we have to be able to guarantee 24-hour,
seven-day per week on-call anaesthetic cover all the time," he said.

"One of the major problems we are faced with is a statewide shortage of anaesthetists.

"This means our attempts to recruit adequate staffing numbers to provide a safe level
of service have been repeatedly unsuccessful."

Anaesthetic cover is required during a caesarean birth, for a complication during labour
or for epidural pain relief.

Dr Monagle said the problem has been made worse by a number of resignations and some
withdrawal of availability from on-call anaesthetists.

The closure affects 25 women due to give birth in January and 29 in February.

Dr Monagle said the women affected have been told they can go to Sunshine Hospital
which has a 40-bed maternity unit.

All other services provided by the hospital will continue, he said.

AAP kh/gfr/cbs/de

KEYWORD: HOSPITAL VIC

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