Maternity investigation

Independent investigation into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital

The Department of Health is committed to ensuring that every Tasmanian receives the best possible healthcare within a safe and supportive environment.

This commitment extends to all areas of healthcare and includes responsibilities to individuals accessing care through our midwifery services. 

If we do not meet these standards, we must act to identify where we need to improve.

On 30 August 2024 the Department of Health commissioned an independent investigation into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).

The final report was released on 9 January 2024 and set out 38 recommendations that the Department has accepted and has committed to implementing in full.  

Click here to read the final report of the Independent investigation into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).

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.

Release of final report

• 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.

Implementation Update (as at 31 January 2025)

• All 38 recommendations have been accepted by the Department and the Department of Health has established a Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Maternity Services Review Implementation Committee to drive and oversee the progress made in improving maternity services. This Committee is being co-chaired by Tasmania’s Chief Nurse and Midwife and Hospitals South Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery under the leadership of the Chief Executive Hospitals South. 
• Where appropriate, recommendations will be implemented in a statewide context.
• The implementation committee held its first meeting on 30 January to set direction and guide the implementation of recommendations.
• The Terms of Reference can be accessed here

Resources 

Royal Hobart Hospital Maternity Assessment Terms of Reference

Royal Hobart Hospital Maternity Assessment Fact Sheet

Consumer Engagement Plan

Royal Hobart Hospital Maternity Services Independent Investigation Final Report