The Victorian Congressional investigation released its final report Wednesday morning, the Times reported. Although most babies and their mothers receive high-quality care, there are serious problems that need to be addressed, the report said.
For example, many new mothers were driven home within 48 hours of giving birth to their children in order to make room for their beds, but the move put pressure on many families to put mothers and their children at risk.
Many women don't get enough support when they get home, and they experience many problems with breastfeeding and their mental health.
Worryingly, getting the mothers home early has become increasingly a trend, even before their breast milk appears.
Melbourne's mother, Lydia Morgan, told the parliamentary committee that both of her children were born by caesarean section at Box Hill Hospital, and that both were rushed home within two days of their birth. "my feeling is' kicked out'. They sent cleaners to empty the rooms, and I've heard of people who were evicted when they weren't supposed to leave because they needed beds or a shortage of staff at the hospital. "
Medical experts, including Dr. Werribee Joe Garra, are also deeply impressed. He said he often quarreled with the hospital over whether her new mother was ready to go home with her child. "often the answer is' she has exceeded the limit', or we need a bed. It's a systemic problem, and it's not that easy to solve. "
The report also mentions a serious shortage of neonatal care beds.
Professor Michael Permezel says all Melbourne hospitals are saturated.
"the risk of a baby being born in this situation is certainly higher, and it also increases the risk of other babies dying or developing complications."
Last year, admission to the Mercy Hospital for Women neonatal care unit in Heidelberg reached 121.7%.
"there are more babies than beds," said Michael Ramussen, the hospital's director of services.
Babies living in such wards require more complex care, Ramussen said, because in some cases babies born at just 24 weeks of gestation will be able to give birth smoothly.
"these babies are going to be in the hospital for a long time," Permezel said.
It had been revealed that at least seven babies died in a year at, Bacchus Marsh Hospital, and that the deaths could have been avoided. As a result, parliament launched a post-natal investigation of pregnant women.
The committee has made more than 80 recommendations, including a comprehensive review of the state's neonatal care by the state government.