A change in licensing for private health facilities providing maternity class services, has led to the OAMS applying for a new licence to allow the continuation of birthing services at the facility.

A NSW Ministry of Health spokesperson said private facilities cannot offer maternity services unless licensed under the Private Health Facilities Act 2007.

“The Orange Aboriginal Health Service Incorporated has lodged an application for a new licence to operate a private health facility,” the spokesperson said.

The application is for two patients in two wards in their premises at 14 Palmer Street, Orange.

“Applications for private health facility licences take at least 12 weeks to process, due to the advertising and consultative procedures, and to make a determination,” the spokesperson said.

“This time-frame is dependent on the applicant supplying relevant information, and responding to any inquiries from the Ministry of Health, about the application.”

The spokesperson said the licence application has been made in accordance with the Private Health Facilities Act 2007 and Private Health Facilities Regulation 2010 and the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines.

“The NSW Ministry of Health is now awaiting confirmation of one final requirement in order to make a final determination on the application from Orange Aboriginal Health Service Incorporated.”

The Orange Aboriginal Medical Service declined a request by the Central Western Daily to comment on this story.

nadine.morton@ruralpress .com