THE REGION'S tiniest patients and their families can be assured they are receiving the most up-to-date care at the most critical moments in the birthing suite.
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More than 80 per cent of Ballarat Health Services' birth suite clinicians have undertaken specialist safety training. This in turn meets state criteria for a funding boost to further improve safety for women and their babies.
Buninyong MP Michaela Settle, who visited BHS special care nursery with assistant treasurer Robin Scott on Tuesday, said high-level care in Ballarat had far-reaching effects for mums across the region - like her.
Ms Settle had her second son 16 years ago in Ballarat and was living in Ararat at the time.
"...It's a difficult time but to have a program here like this means (doctors and midwives) are event more skilled and able to provide the skill and comfort you need," Ms Settle said.
"...I know it's not just Ballarat but the whole region that will benefit."
Incentivising Better Patient Safety program, developed by Victorian Managed Insurance Agency, was rolled out to public health services in the past year. BHS was one of 39 to meet training number requirements to share in a $2.6 million refund for continued birthing training.
Similar programs have helped contribute to a 64 drop in obstetric indemnity claims to VMIA, the insurance body for public hospitals, since 2003.
Training helps doctors and midwives to better manage risks like neonatal resuscitation, foetal surveillance and emergencies.
BHS acute operations executive director Ben Kelly said specialist training should reduce the likelihood for mums and babies to be transferred to Melbourne for care.
"Being a regional health service we're an hour from Melbourne but an hour is still a long way if your baby needs to be transferred to Melbourne," Mr Kelly said. "We have a strong commitment from our doctors and midwives to keep as many babies locally for care."
About 1500 babies are born in BHS care each year.
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