Kyneton District Health has received funding to improve its fetal monitoring systems in the wake of the baby death scandal at a Bacchus Marsh hospital.
Forty-six Victorian public hospitals will share in $1.4 million in funding as part of the state government’s commitment to “strengthen” maternity services.
An investigation last year found there were 11 preventable baby deaths at the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital between 2003 and 2014.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy announced this month that Kyneton hospital would receive $10,000 to help better train and equip doctors, nurses and midwives.
She said the state government was “doing everything we can” to ensure Victoria’s maternity services were safe.
“It’s crucial that hospitals continue to train and develop their staff so they have the skills they need to better monitor women and their babies before giving birth,” Ms Hennessy said.
“We are doing everything possible to make sure that what happened at [the Bacchus Marsh hospital] never happens again.”
According to an Auditor-General’s report tabled in State Parliament earlier this year, senior clinicians raised concerns about the hospital’s capacity to manage its maternity services years before an investigation was launched.
Sumeyya Ilanbey
