Tina as far as I know there is no body that has the power to formally investigate complaints and police hospitals about breaches (not breeches - they're different) of the 10 Steps or WHO Code, or any other voluntary standard. The real power is the collective voice of consumers. A letter to the management, with a cc to the State Baby Friendly committee, stating the person's concerns - not so much about the failure to adhere to the standard, but about the potential harm that could result from that act - will be read. The Health Complaints Commissioner could be contacted, but you may have a job convincing her/him to act on your behalf. The baby friendly assessment at present refers to well mothers and babies, so a baby readmitted for jaundice would be considered outside the 10 steps standard. This does not change the issue of the mother's expectation to be informed and to give consent. I used to work in a the first Australian Baby Friendly hospital, and there was a notice on the board stating very clearly that if any staff member gave a breastfed baby anything other than mother's milk without mother's consent and following the written protocol, that staff member would not continue their employment. Joy
-- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
