Staff members at Dandenong Hospital have expressed serious concerns regarding proposed cuts that could jeopardize maternity services. The fears center on plans to relocate high-risk pregnancies and specialist neonatal nurses to Casey Hospital and Monash Medical Centre, which staff believe may lead to a gradual shutdown of maternity services altogether.
In an interview with Star Journal, a hospital employee criticized Monash Health for claiming that the relocation would “enhance patient outcomes.” The staff member stated, “I’m not sure how patient care will be improved when those highly skilled nurses, trained in the area, are redeployed and replaced by staff who are not as experienced in that clinical field.”
Concerns have escalated since Monash Health proposed downgrading Dandenong Hospital’s maternity capability from level three to level two. This change means the hospital would no longer manage complex pregnancies or provide care for newborns requiring specialized attention. Neonatal nurses, trained to handle emergency interventions and monitor vital signs in newborns, are vital for ensuring the health of infants, particularly those born prematurely or with health issues.
The potential loss of these services raises alarm among staff, who fear it could strain midwives tasked with managing nurseries. This added pressure could jeopardize their licenses if complications arise. “It will be a challenge, and it’s the staff’s preference to have the special care nurses remain so they are able to provide that advanced skill in the times that are needed,” one staff member remarked.
Vulnerable families, particularly those relying on public transport for access to maternity care, could face significant challenges if neonatal services are relocated. Many patients are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, making the accessibility of care even more critical. “They would have to travel a distance to receive that care,” the staff member added. “The mother-infant bond is very important right from the time of birth, and separating that bond early is very challenging.”
In response, a spokesperson for Monash Health defended the decision to relocate services, stating that maternity and newborn services are “under-utilised” at Dandenong Hospital. The spokesperson emphasized that the move aims to meet growing demand for these services, allowing more families to access care closer to home. “Dandenong Hospital will continue to provide excellent maternity and newborn services for the local community,” the spokesperson assured.
Despite these reassurances, staff members believe the overarching intention of Monash Health is to reduce maternity services at Dandenong until they are no longer feasible. “The general consensus among staff is that the overall intention of the Monash Health service is to close the maternity services,” one employee noted. This sentiment echoes previous concerns raised in 2022 when similar relocations of maternity and pediatric services were reported.
The situation has persisted since proposals were first introduced in May 2023, with staff urging the community to remain aware of the potential impacts. “It’s important the community is aware of the intention of Monash Health,” said one staff member. “This proposal has continued the longest out of the three attempts, and I honestly can’t be sure if it will be successful. I hope community support will prevent that from happening.”
As discussions continue, the future of maternity services at Dandenong Hospital remains uncertain, with staff and families anxiously awaiting further developments. The outcome will not only affect healthcare delivery but could also impact the well-being of numerous families in the community.
