Public Interest Advocacy

[Julie Clarke]

In March this year the Public Interest Advocacy Centre held a forum on the issue of Obstetric Insurance.  I expect they would be very interested to have all correspondence on the matter of Midwives Insurance forwarded to them so they can assist towards finding a solution to the dilemma. Please forward your comments letters and information to: Sarah Mitchell     [EMAIL PROTECTED] or mail to level 1 46 York St Sydney 2000 or phone.  (02) 9299 7855   Info on their flyer in March to publicise their forum held at Parliament House was as follows: A recent campaign in the media has claimed that too many people sue doctors and the courts award them too much money.  The truth is that only a small proportion of people who suffer medical accidents sue.  What patients want is prevention of medical errors and a better understanding of the risks of treatment. Instead doctors are being encouraged to adopt defensive practices. For example people are being subjected to unnecessary medical tests and more invasive procedures such as caesareans. Doctor's groups and insurers are using claims about the cost of insurance to pressure the NSW Government to limit the compensation paid to people who sue their doctors.  As part of the campaign obstetricians in country areas have threatened to withdraw their services leaving pregnant mothers without adequate care. The focus is on blaming patients rather than finding a solution.    Health care consumer groups believe that the patient perspective has not been heard.  Come to a forum to discuss these issues, and how doctors and patients rather than finding a solution.  Wed 7th March 01. Although the above is old news they may still be an appropriate source of support in our current crisis. hug to all Julie