Tenterfield Health Service

 Hunter New England Health is currently undertaking a review at Tenterfield Health Service after it became aware of recent clinical incidents at the Hospital. 

Hunter New England Health Acting Chief Executive Dr Nigel Lyons said any actions needed will be taken quickly to ensure patient care continues in a way that is appropriate and of the highest standard. 

“As a first step, an emergency department specialist physician and critical care nurse are on the ground this week providing support to Tenterfield’s medical and nursing staff and will examine internal procedures at the Health Service in relation to clinical policies and relevant legislation.”  

Hunter New England Health has formal incident management procedures to review incidents that occur in their facilities to prevent the incidents reoccurring.
 
“Because of the seriousness of these incidents, and in accordance with standard procedures for investigating serious incidents, we have suspended the clinical privileges of one of the clinical staff at Tenterfield Health Service while the internal review is undertaken,” Dr Lyons said. 

“It is very early stages in this review process and it’s important that no judgements or assumptions are made before the review is completed. We’re also offering support to the clinicians concerned throughout the review process”.

The patients and families identified as being involved in the incidents under review have been advised of the review process.

“Once the internal review is completed, we may then enlist an external review team to provide high level expertise around clinical service delivery at Tenterfield Health Service,” Dr Lyons said.

“Discussions are continuing with Tenterfield doctors and Hunter New England Health’s senior medical staff to provide a long-term solution to the shortage of on-call doctors for Tenterfield Health Service. In the short term there may be periods of time where we may not have medical coverage and we’re is committed to seek locum cover for any vacancies that arise”.

“The future of a viable service in Tenterfield relies on General Practitioners, and we recognise their importance in providing sustainable patient care services for the people of Tenterfield,” said Dr Lyons.

Media enquires: Kristy Bryant, Communication Unit, 02 4921 4923
(HNE – 1076)
 

Contact: Kristy Bryant

Phone: 02 4921 4923 or 0434 609 502