The Castlemaine Health Board of Management has accepted and endorsed the final Maternity Service Review report and its recommendations to ensure the return of maternity services to Castlemaine Health as soon as possible.
The review recommends a new model of maternity care, along with new clinical and governance processes. The reviewers have advised that, due to concerns about the potential risks associated with the current model of care, the service remain suspended until the key recommendations are addressed. It is hoped the service can resume within six months.
The virtual board meeting on Monday evening was attended by the GP obstetricians, members of the public and Safer Care Victoria.
Board Chair Margaret (Peggy) Ronnau told the community members and doctors present that “every board member is totally committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the independent report ensuring the maternity service can re-open as soon as possible.”
The next key steps include the appointment of a Clinical Lead – Midwifery; the appointment of a Project Officer to assist Castlemaine Health to transition to the new model of care; the establishment of a a Midwifery Governance Committee to oversee the implementation of the recommendations and transition to the new model of care and the establishment of a maternity Community Consultative Committee including between six and 10 community members. See today’s Mail for the full story and comment from Castlemaine Health, local GPs, Support Birthing at Castlemaine Health and Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards. Out Now.