St Lukes is demanding an urgent meeting with key health stakeholders, in response to worrying reports about the future of obstetric services at the Hobart Private Hospital, owned by Healthscope.
St Lukes has had positive engagement with the Tasmanian Health Minister’s Office on the issue and is seeking to bring together key stakeholders at state level to explore possible solutions before briefing the Federal Health Minister.
These stakeholders include the Department of Health, Healthscope, Calvary Healthcare, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian College of Midwives, and the Australian Medical Association.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said unfortunately, this was not the first time private birthing services in Tasmania had been challenged with closures.
“This issue goes beyond individual providers. We must look at the healthcare system holistically and the need for alternate models of care in this state,” Mr Lupo said.
“What we don’t need is further division and politicising of key health challenges that divert attention away from patient-centred care.
“As such, we are urging all relevant parties to work together in good faith to ensure the healthcare needs of Tasmanian women are put first.
“As a Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer, St Lukes is committed to working constructively with both private and public operators to ensure all Tasmanians have access to the right healthcare, in the right setting, at the right cost – no matter where they live.
“We are actively engaging with other health providers to find solutions, including exploring potential pathways of care that St Lukes could facilitate to help meet community expectations of both the private and public systems.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders to deliver a sustainable private system where funding is delivered in the right direction, and advocate for a modern healthcare system that Tasmanians can rely on and be proud of.”
ENDS
Contact: Jacquie Ray Timmins Ray Public Relations – 0429 683 779.