Amanda Singleton to Lead Maternity Review

The Tasmanian Government has announced that Amanda Singleton has been appointed to lead the ‘rapid independent investigation’ into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Singleton has extensive experience as a nurse, midwife and health consultant across her 35 year career, including in the governance and management of maternity services in both rural and metropolitan settings.

The decision was made following consultation with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the union which raised complaints recently about the state of affairs at the maternity unit.

“The safety of mothers and babies is of paramount importance, and the claims made by nurses and midwives through the ANMF and the media are very serious,’’ Health Minister Guy Barnett said.

“The Department has been unable to corroborate these claims, that is why I have instructed the Department of Health to initiate this independent investigation, for which Ms Singleton is extensively qualified to lead.

“The ANMF have worked with us through this appointment process and I acknowledge their support for Ms Singleton’s appointment, and look forward to the investigation progressing in the weeks ahead.

“I again assure the community that as a government, we are doing everything possible to ensure Tasmanian mothers and babies are getting the health care they expect and deserve.”

The investigation follows a raft of issues at the hospital including staffing levels in general, ambulance ramping and patient transfer protocols, and a cancelled upgrade to the emergency department.