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I worked in Port Hedland in 1975 -77 as a
flight sister, then community health field work with Community Health
Services. Met Alan Eggleston then and everyone got along very well and he
was a 'great bloke' . He was always helpful. So, I wrote to
him..............
----- Original Message -----
From: Elizabeth
McAlpine
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 10:47 AM Dear Alan,
Thanks for your email and insight into life as a
senator.
I was wrong, I assumed that it was a
fairly cushy job with lots of perks, necessitating the ability to lie, evade
questions and avoid answers. I'm sure the general public shares this
view. Perhaps it calls for some PR work here.
Anyway, here I am back in Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates for the third time. I came to make some quick money (which
I haven't done), update my midwifery skills very quickly (have done so), renewed
contact with some acquaintances (done) but am returning to Australia at the
end of September. My daughter and grandson live in Melbourne, so I'll work
at the Royal Women's.
You know Alan, I am extremely interested in
changes in childbirth. the Senate report 'Rocking the Cradle' 1999, made
many recommendations for change.
One of them was to fund midwives to assist at home
births for women at low risk through the Public Health Outcome Funding
Agreements.
Please don't have a fit, but there are many studies
testifying to the safety of home birth and with PMR comparable or less than
hospital birth. ( Shoulder dystocia can be a major problem
even in a hospital with consultants present)
The problem in Australia, compared to the
Netherlands, New Zealand or the U.K., is that there is a lack of specialist
back up through fear of litigation.
This fear of litigation also forces obstetricians
to practice defensive obstetrics, which raises the induction and caesarian
section rates.
The professional indemnity insurance issue affects
not only midwives, but GPs with obstetrics and obstetricians. It is
totally out of control.
See the Sydney Morning Herald of today, 'Birth
services in crisis.......', regarding insurance premiums,
and AMA survey of 292 specialists - more than
half had quit or were thinking of quitting.
Maternity services are in a dismal state and badly
need an overhall; professional indemnity insurance is a disgrace and
really needs sorting out.
New Zealand has done it with their 'no-fault'
clause,
people with disability due to whatever conditions
under health care are taken care of throughout life.
I'm forwarding my letters regarding childbirth for
your perusal and hopefully, change of heart and mind.
regards,
Liz McAlpine
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