The state government has appointed cardiologist Andrew Wilson as Victoria’s first chief medical officer to bolster its governance of safety and quality in the hospital system.
It also appointed a specialist panel to advise on best practice in hospitals and to help define the new chief medical officer’s role and reporting requirements.
The appointments were made in the wake of multiple perinatal deaths and injuries at Bacchus Marsh Hospital, which were uncovered during an independent investigation last year into its maternity ward.
This led to the realisation that some baby deaths may have been avoided.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy appointed Dr Stephen Duckett, health programs director at the Grattan Institute, to chair the panel, which will consult with experts in hospital safety and report to government later this year about areas needing improvement.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Wilson is developing strategies to strengthen safety at the state’s hospitals.
“He will work with Better Care Victoria, clinical networks and clinical consultative councils to ensure a joint focus,” a Health Department spokesman said. Maurice Blackburn, the law firm representing the families affected by the Bacchus Marsh baby deaths, is investigating up to 20 cases of baby deaths and injuries, or their mothers being injured during birthing.
