The Andrews Labor Government is rolling out a $16 million state-wide initiative to improve maternal care and outcomes for Victorian mothers and babies.
Minister for Finance Robin Scott, Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke and Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny visited Frankston Hospital today to announce the Incentivising Better Patient Safety program, which gives public hospitals a refund on obstetric insurance premiums when staff complete advanced training in key risk areas.
The program encourages multidisciplinary teams to enhance their training in advanced neonatal resuscitation, fetal surveillance and simulated emergency scenarios – key areas of risk in the birth suite.
About 10 per cent of newborn babies in Victoria require help to begin breathing, with around one per cent needing extensive resuscitation and neonatal specialist support.
To give newborns the best chance of survival in complex cases and improve the quality of care to all mothers across the state, the program provides a rebate to health services for proven risk mitigations, and an incentive to health services to implement and maintain best practice maternity education.
Similar training has contributed to a 64 per cent drop in Victorian maternity claims since 2003. The Government is aiming to deliver even better patient outcomes by targeting known risk areas through this program
The Incentivising Better Patient Safety program was developed by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) in consultation with Safer Care Victoria and the health sector. It will be implemented from 1 July 2018.
Quote attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott
“We’re helping hospitals deliver best-practice training and better outcomes for mothers and babies.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“Childbirth can be a challenging time for mothers. We’re giving the experts who deliver this crucial care everything that they need to provide Victorian mums the experience that they deserve.”
Quote attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
“This great initiative will recognise and reward Frankston Hospital for giving their staff best practice training.”
Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“We’re proud to be doing our part to promote best practice and improve patient safety at our local hospital”.
Quote attributable to VMIA Chief Executive Officer Colin Radford
“As the state’s insurer, we’re pleased to be working with the health sector to improve patient outcomes while giving back to public hospitals for their investment in proven risk prevention initiatives”.
Quote attributable to Safer Care Victoria Chief Executive Officer Euan Wallace
“Even high performing hospitals have unexpected emergencies in the birth suite from time to time. This training helps doctors and midwives better prepare for such emergencies, and respond more quickly and effectively.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020