Maternity investigation

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About the investigation

An independent investigation into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) was announced by the Minister for Health on 30 August 2024.
Ms Amanda Singleton - an experienced nurse, midwife and health consultant - was appointed to lead the investigation.
Ms Singleton has a diverse background in the delivery of health services in Victoria over a 35-year career, with significant experience in the governance and management of maternity services in rural and metropolitan settings.
Ms Singleton established a panel of independent reviewers, including a consumer, to investigate the recent concerns raised by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and past and current staff that related to the safety and quality of care at the RHH.
It included consultation with staff, women and other interested people through forums, focus groups and individual interviews.

The final report from the independent investigation into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) was released on 9 January 2025.
The report contains 38 recommendations that are aimed at improving the maternity service for those families accessing it, and also for staff who are working within the service.
The recommendations cover a range of matters including staffing levels and models, recruitment processes, leadership and culture, breastfeeding support, processes relating to the induction of labour, and consumer engagement.

All 38 recommendations are being worked through, and the Department of Health is committing to oversee the progress made in improving maternity services. Where appropriate, recommendations will be implemented in a statewide context.
An implementation committee will be formed to guide and oversee the implementation of recommendations.