In response to the shock announcement that Dr Michael Holland had tendered his resignation Andrew Constance MP has today posted:
"I have been in contact with the Southern NSW Local Health District CEO about Dr Holland’s resignation. I am sad that this has happened and I hope that Dr Holland can reconsider his position.
"First priority is to ensure that birthing mothers have a service and I am assured that there will be. Pleasingly a new Director of Obstetrics for the region commences today. These expectant mums must be the top priority.
"I am perplexed about the Clinical Excellence Commission review into the service and I would hope that the community can see the full report. I would like to know what it says and understand what’s at issue..
"We are about to announce additional funding to resolve and remove any concern about the delivery of the hospital. Having fought to secure the $200million in the first place, a site location and trying to work with the concerns of local clinicians about the clinical service plan, I remain passionate about the delivery of this hospital in the same way we have rebuilt and built hospitals across regional NSW.
"I will be at the rally on the weekend and I am going about my work behind the scenes to address the impasse between Dr Holland and NSW Health."
In a media release issued this morning by a Southern NSW Local Health spokesperson it states:
Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) thanks Dr Lisa Hyde, GP Obstetrician, and
Dr Michael Holland, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, for their service to Moruya Hospital
following their resignations, effective from February 2022.
SNSWLHD is grateful to both doctors for their service to Eurobodalla families and appreciates their long notice period and support for a smooth transition as new staff are appointed. The resignations will not result in any disruption to service delivery.
Specialist Obstetrician Dr Andrew Woods commenced as District Medical Lead for Obstetrics on 22 November 2021, to provide District leadership and support governance. A District Manager of Midwifery Services is under recruitment to support ongoing improvement.
Dr Hyde and Dr Holland tendered their resignations following a feedback session on the
findings of the Resilience Assessment of Eurobodalla Maternity Services undertaken by The
Chief Obstetrician, Dr Michael Nicholl and the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC).
The report was not targeted at specific individuals but was completed in line with the role of
the CEC, which provides health services throughout NSW with a range of expert advice to
support and strengthen clinical services.
SNSWLHD remains committed to the safety and care of women and their families. It is critical that we build our workforce and models of care in readiness for the higher-level services that will be provided at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.
The Assessment report was presented to SNSWLHD last week and maternity service staff
received a copy of the recommendations. SNSWLHD has taken immediate action to address the Assessment report’s recommendations.
The multi-disciplinary assessment team examined the safety and quality of the Eurobodalla
Maternity Service, and its relationship with other maternity services. It considered a range of
factors including service capability, safety systems, clinical governance, leadership, culture
and models of care.
We are grateful for this independent, expert advice and support to ensure that Eurobodalla
babies and their families receive high quality and safe care.
