Controversy has emerged around the planned relocation of a Perth maternity hospital.

The proposed relocation of Western Australia's primary women's and babies' hospital from its current site in Subiaco to the Fiona Stanley Hospital precinct in Murdoch, 20 kilometres away, has raised concerns among doctors and health professionals. 

Critics argue that the move could lead to increased mortality and morbidity for critically ill infants.

Initially, the government had planned to integrate the maternity hospital with Sir Charles Gairdner and Perth Children's Hospitals in the QEII Medical Centre precinct. 

However, this decision was reversed in April, with the hospital now set to be built at Fiona Stanley Hospital. 

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has defended the decision, stating that consultation would not change the government's stance due to risks and disruptions associated with the original plan.

A draft report prepared by the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) emphasised the importance of ‘tri-location’, which involves building adult, paediatric, and women's and babies' hospitals on the same site. 

The report highlighted the risks associated with neonatal transfer and recommended sticking to the original plan for tri-location, either at QEII or moving Perth Children's Hospital to the Murdoch site.

Doctors at Perth Children's Hospital expressed concerns about the move, fearing it could lead to preventable deaths and disabilities for women and babies. 

They argued that co-locating the hospitals is considered international best practice and ensures better quality care. The Australian Medical Association WA also supported the doctors' concerns.

Premier Roger Cook acknowledged that clinicians had differing opinions but stressed the need to develop a new women's and babies' hospital quickly. 

He argued that building the hospital at Fiona Stanley Hospital would expedite the process and benefit regional patients.

The CAHS issued a statement, clarifying that the draft report was not endorsed by the CAHS executive or board. The health service said it understood the decision to relocate the project to Fiona Stanley Hospital based on the risks outlined in the business case. 

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has pledged to take the concerns raised by doctors seriously but called for a more respectful public debate.

In a separate incident, a review has found that the mother of twins had experienced failures in care before her discharge from Fiona Stanley Hospital, which led to her death. 

Her husband has called for an independent investigation into the actual cause of her death and expressed his desire for justice.