The CLP Government has introduced a new support plan for privately insured pregnant women impacted by the closure of maternity services at Darwin Private Hospital, effective June 6, by securing a contract with Mercure Darwin Airport Resort starting June 1, but not everyone is sold on the new plan.

Health Minister Steve Edgington said the plan allows privately insured parents to stay in a deluxe suite for up to four nights after childbirth at Royal Darwin Hospital, providing security for the 45 expectant families and improving future private maternity options.

“Our priority has always been to reassure the expectant families that safe, supportive, and positive care will continue to be provided throughout the transition to Royal Darwin Hospital and the development of new private options,” he said.

Mr Edgington added that NT Health will hold two information sessions next week at the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort, aimed at expectant families interested in birthing options at Royal Darwin Hospital as well as private maternity options.

In the initial phase of the new service, domiciliary midwives will be responsible for providing maternity care while efforts are underway to secure a private midwife provider.

“Domiciliary is a post-natal midwifery service available to all women and newborns who are assessed as safe for discharge from Royal Darwin Hospital after giving birth,” Mr Edgington said.

“Midwives will visit new mothers at their home or hotel, to provide clinical care such as wound reviews, post-natal assessments and baby weights, as well as support infant feeding and newborn care.”

However, Australian Medical Association president Dr Robert Parker said there was medical risk with the new arrangement at the airport hotel.

“If someone has a medical emergency at the resort, it’s a long way from immediate medical care at Royal Darwin Hospital,” Dr Parker told the NT News.

“If there is an emergency and unfortunate tragedy, it will be the clinicians blamed and appearing in front of the coroner, not the politicians or bureaucrats.”

NT Health has been in discussions with Medibank, Bupa, and the Australian Health Service Alliance, which are the main private insurers in the Territory market and represent approximately 93 per cent of the impacted women, Mr Edgington said.

He added that NT Health informed him that all insurers have consented to support care options for women and families after childbirth. He stated that the incorporation of these services as insurable items will be completed in time for the transition next month.

“I’m pleased the insurers are sitting down and putting some cash on the table, as they should, for our government to be able to pick up the slack,” he said.

NT Health is progressing with plans to enhance maternity services, including the introduction of two private options: a luxury post-natal maternity retreat and a “return home sooner” package.

A tender is being finalised by June 1 to procure a new mum and bub pack, along with meal preparation and cleaning services for the return home package, Mr Edgington said.

Additionally, NT Health is engaging with private maternity providers and two obstetricians who will join the initiative in the upcoming months.

The Maternity Services Unit is also collaborating with expectant families and their private obstetricians to facilitate a smooth transition of care to the Royal Darwin Hospital.

Families should contact the Transition Nurse on 0474 217 962 for more information or email MaternityCare.RDPH@nt.gov.au. or visit the NT Health website.