The Baird Government is not meeting its own targets to support mothers and newborns who need special care at Bankstown Hospital, the NSW Opposition says.
Government reports from the South Western Sydney Local Health District state that Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital should have at least 13 special care nursery beds by 2016 to meet the region’s growing needs.
The hospital’s website says it has 10.
The news comes less than a week after it was revealed a newborn died and another received suspected brain damage after nitrous oxide was incorrectly administered instead of oxygen at the hospital.
Opposition Health spokesperson Walt Secord said it was another worrying statistic for the troubled hospital.
“This means up to 120 babies with problems with body temperature and breathing are missing out on specialist care at Bankstown Hospital,” Mr Secord said.
“This is what happens when you tear $3 billion out of the health system.
“These are babies who are premature or full-term babies who have difficulty regulating their temperature or breathing unassisted.
“So yes, babies lives are being put at risk.”
South Western Sydney Local Health District released a statement in response to the claims.
“South Western Sydney Local Health District continues to plan on the delivery of clinical services, to meet its strategic priorities by 2021,” the statement said.
“Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital birthing services including special care nursery cots are delivered in collaboration with the district’s four other birthing facilities, to provide networked local care for newborns.”