"Hospital breastfeeding facilities"

Attended newborn screening test at Wonthaggi hospital outpatients. Very disappointing to be advised there are no breastfeeding facilities available.

I felt forced to feed my infant in a high traffic corridor because there was seemingly no private or appropriate space provided. As a healthcare provider in Victoria, I believe you have a legal obligation to ensure your services are inclusive and safe. In my opinion, this experience was a breach of my rights and safety for the following reasons: Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010: Under this Act, breastfeeding is a protected attribute. Service providers have a "positive duty" to eliminate discrimination. By failing to provide a basic, private space, I believe your facility effectively disadvantaged me as a breastfeeding mother. Being forced to feed in a public, high-traffic area made me feel exposed and physically unsafe, which is unacceptable in a clinical setting. I believe your facility also doesn't comply with Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities by treating all patients with dignity and providing a safe, private environment for infant feeding. I look forward to hearing how you plan to improve your facilities to meet these  standards.