Fw: Bemused!

[Rhonda]

Thanks!  I think that the actual complaint process and the lack of validation and the "IT happens!" attitude has been the hardest to cope with. If it is not good enough - IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN!" is how i feel.  I think every woman deserves the best available care and the right to decide on what care she wants.  The right to make informed choices.  That is where I was denied and even though i put up a good fight it became a battle of wits.  me in labour - them not.  I had to outwit them as they tried to wear me down.  The complaint was the same - who can throw the biggest load of shit!  They WON - says it all!  *grin*   Thanks for your support.   I have learned so much out of this.  I have gained a lot.   Rhonda.     ----- Original Message ----- From: Lois Wattis To: Rhonda Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 9:00 PM Subject: Re: Bemused! Take heart, Rhonda - you have encouraged and inspired many through the trials of your journey.  I feel for you in your disappointment with this non-event outcome.  You are a strong woman and have much to contribute to midwifery in Australia.  (Hug)  Lois   ----- Original Message ----- From: Rhonda To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2001 4:39 PM Subject: Bemused! Well, this is it. The medical practitioners board found that they would not continue with my complaint. No retribution for a pack of aresholes who tortured me.  No reprimand - nothing. They got away with the abuse and torture yet again because of a lack of evidence - my statements and my husbands statements were not enough.  They needed evidence to prove that they were lying bstards. Well, i give up. I am drained and saddened for all women that the system cannot do anything to defend the rights of women.  There is NO means of complaint. There is NO point complaining to anyone unless they *^%$ing kill you.  And then you can't complain. Those of you who know my story and know why I complained will understand. I didn't hope for much just a reprimand - but No - nothing.  Typical!!   I am glad I complained but it was so draining and so demeaning - the Health Services Commision were totally useless (they not only put me down but their insults and lack of understanding lead to me feeling suicidal and made me really depressed) I would not recommend anyone to complain to them.  They have NO power at all ovewr the doctors and NO investigative power and will only act if it is an absolutely devistating outcome by refering you to the Medical Practitioners Board.  They have no other purpose than to prevent complaints from being heard by the board - they are mediators working for the doctors.    The Medical Practitioners Board had the power but chose not to act I gather because it was not devastating enough and what would I know. (I had no proof.)   There is no other way to even get decent Human rights - the right of choice and the right to be heard.  The Obstetric care in this town is primative and the doctors are ^%&*%. The Medical Practitioners Board said that they spoke to the midwife - obviously she failed to support me even though she knew what happened.  How nice of her!  I am gathering that is the one who patted my leg for comfort when I was so distressed at being informed that I was a waste of time. Yet she confirmed that they did not try to distress me!  HA!!  What a joke! I hope when she has children she learns something!   Sorry for being so emotional but I was hoping for a more possitive outcome for all women.   I think i will take a breath and reflect on the past two years of this and work out what to do next.   Perhaps I just do what most other women do and just give up.  It is not worth complaining.   The old saying "Not worth complaining - Nobody listens anyway!" is so appropriate when it comes to childbirth issues.   Thanks to all those who supported me.   Rhonda  :-)