Bacchus Marsh Hospital will continue to be overseen by a state government-appointed administrator until 2020.
Dr John Ballard’s term as Djerriwarrh Health Services administrator has been extended until June, 2020. He was appinted in 2015.
“I want to reiterate how safe this hospital is,” he said. “There are new systems, new services, new people and a new culture now in place.
“I am here to ensure that these changes are sustainable for the long term and oversee the new building projects at the hospital.”
Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy said Dr Ballard had played an important role in redeveloping the hospital.
“I have reappointed Dr Ballard to continue his exceptional work to improve quality and safety, and to continue to build community and staff confidence in the service,” she said.
“The government is continuing to invest in Djerriwarrh Health Services through a $10.6 million expansion and refurbishment of maternity and surgical services, so the community can feel safe knowing they can access the highest quality care and birthing services.”
Between 2001 and 2014, there were 11 avoidable baby deaths at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital and a number of failings at clinical, governance and departmental levels.
“We are aiming to rebuild public confidence,” Dr Ballard said.
“It is imperative that we work with the community to show them that this hospital has a wonderful breadth of facilities for a growing population.”
Dr Ballard said the improvement of public perception would take time, which was one of the reasons why he would continue as administrator.
Dewi Sherry
