Call for parliamentary inquiry into Tasmanian maternity services

It is planned that the motion for an inquiry be moved when state parliament resumes towards the end of the month.

The select committee will look into reproductive and maternal health services, birth trauma, workforce shortages, midwife professional indemnity insurance, perinatal mental health services; paediatric services for children aged less than five years old and the Child Health and Parenting Service.

READ MORE: Remembering Jeff Hayes, the man of infinite jest

The committee will examine disparities in the availability of services, staffing and outcomes between Tasmania and other Australian jurisdictions, Tasmanians living in rural and more built-up areas, and Tasmanians with a socio-economic disadvantage.

Labor's health spokeswoman Anita Dow said the party had been consulting with families and health care workers across the state over the past 12 months after hearing about experiences and access to maternity and child health services.

READ MORE: Netball fixtures missing the target in North

"All Tasmanian parents and their children deserve to have access to safe reproductive, maternal and paediatric health services and perinatal mental health services," she said.

"Labor will hold the Rockliff Government to account to ensure that this happens across Tasmania."

Several North-West mothers have come forward this year to tell of their negative experiences with maternity services in the region.

Australian Medical Association state vice-president Annette Barrett has previously expressed concern over the number of complaints from North-West women about birthing services.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: