Hello list,
My feeling from all the feedback re consumers is that a majority consider it
is time to make the move. I feel we have an opportunity with the National
Conference in September that can't be left to go by. I've spoken to
National office and I've been told that to get consumers on ACMI there has
to be a constitutional change. The constitution is currently under review
and a first draft has been out since May of this year. I haven't seen this
to know if there are any changes proposing cosumer involvement, National are
still waiting for replies. So that is certainly one avenue to effect
change.
Also I was told that it won't necessarily be raised as an agenda item at the
AGM but apparently it can be raised at the Open Forum.
I can't help but get the feeling that there is a certain amount of
resistance in getting consumers onto ACMI and there is still much work to be
done.
I was also told by National that the International College of Midwives has
adopted one consumer position into it's constitution though I don't think
they have voting rights.
Unfortunately I am unable to be there in Hobart in September but I will
endeavour to get the issue raised by proxy at the Open Forum at least. I
would appreciate if all others could do some networking/lobbying with anyone
going to the conference, to keep their ears open and help support Mothers
and Midwives together.
I would just like to share a meeting I attended last week comprising of both
medicos and midwives, I raised the issue that I felt we should be working
towards lowering the caesarian section rate from what I understood to be
around the 25% mark. Firstly I was corrected by the Obstetrician chairing
the meeting that my figure was incorrect, it was only 24% for public
patients and 32% for privates and then I was asked for what reason did we
need to lower the rate. At this point another Obstetrician got up and
walked out of the meeting making some comment that it was safer to have a
caesarian than a vaginal birth. Thankfully after some support from other
medicos at the meeting and not a sound from the other midwives, there is
going to be some improved auditing. What it will amount to I don't know but
it was certainly interesting.
regards Pete Malavisi. Midwife.
regards
Pete Malavisi, Midwife.
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