Posted on March 12, 2010 by by scoop

The ACT government today released the details of two independent reviews related to maternity services at the Canberra Hospital.

From the Chief Minister’s website:

The first review will assess service delivery arrangements and clinical outcomes at public maternity units in the ACT, with the private maternity units invited to participate in the process.

Four reviewers have been engaged to conduct this review including:

• Professor Michael Humphrey, Clinical Advisor, Office of Rural and Remote Health; Chair of Queensland Maternal and Perinatal Quality Council;
• Dr David Rankin, fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators;
• Associate Professor Robert Bryce, Clinical Director of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Flinders Medical Centre Adelaide; and
• Ms Avon Strahle, Midwife Advisor.

Draft terms of reference have been distributed to key stakeholders. These include:

• An assessment of mortality, morbidity and other clinical outcomes. In assessing these outcomes, the reviewers will be expected to examine relevant benchmarking data, performance indicators and other appropriate data and research;
• An assessment of the clinical governance of the Unit, including examination of relevant policies and protocols, clinical audit processes and other quality improvement activities;
• An examination of staff roles and responsibilities and an assessment of whether the roles and responsibilities are appropriate to staff professional roles, skills and experience;
• An examination of staff numbers and workloads, and assessment of whether the staffing numbers are sufficient and workloads are appropriate; and
• An assessment of the service delivery and working arrangements between all obstetric units in the ACT and potential options for improvements.

The reviewers will make findings against each term of reference, and report on the overall performance of the unit and potential areas of improvement. This review is expected to be finalised in May.

The second review into allegations of bullying and harassment will be carried out under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1994.

These terms of reference have been finalised and include investigating any incidences of conduct that could be considered as bullying and harassment in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit of the Canberra Hospital between 2006 and 2010, the circumstances of any incidents, what steps have been taken to remedy or address the conduct, and any additional steps that should be taken in relation to any incidents.

Contact for the review: Debbie Arsego on 6244 5248.

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