Five deregistrations over Vic baby deaths

Five medical practitioners involved in a cluster of potentially avoidable baby deaths at a hospital in Victoria have now been deregistered.

Five medical practitioners linked to a cluster of potentially avoidable baby deaths at a Victorian hospital have surrendered their registrations.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has investigated 40 people who worked at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital, with 17 still under investigation.

Eleven babies died of potentially avoidable circumstances while in the care of the Djerriwarrh Health Service from 2001 to 2014, sparking major reviews.

There were seven potentially avoidable deaths just in 2013 and 2014, with scrutiny soon falling on doctors and nurses at Bacchus Marsh.

"A number of these practitioners no longer work at Djerriwarrh Health Service," an AHPRA statement said on Friday.

"This includes five practitioners who have surrendered their registration during the period of AHPRA's and other investigations."

AHPRA has taken immediate action against five medical practitioners, but it is unclear if they are the same five who have surrendered their registration.

There were 96 complaints raised involving 40 practitioners after the scandal was revealed.

They included 13 medical practitioners, 23 midwives and nurses, and four others.

AHPRA said some matters may still be referred to a tribunal if investigators believe there has been professional misconduct.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said Djerriwarrh was getting extra attention to deliver high quality care.

"We are doing everything possible to ensure the tragic events that happened at Djerriwarrh never happen again in our health system," Ms Hennessy said.

A statement from the Djerriwarrh Health Service said improvements had been made.

"It now has robust, reinvigorated clinical governance processes, systematic training, continued professional development and strong leadership that ensures Djerriwarrh is a safe, secure and fully-functioning health service for the people of Bacchus Marsh and Melton," the statement said.


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Source: AAP


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