further to the 12 hour shift

[Greg Barbara Cook]

To all, I hope this email doesn't result in more hate mail and virus poisoned posts which seems to occur when one posts differing views on this list but in view of Judy's posting of my initial reply I felt it was also necessary to post my response to balance the debate and I have also asked some other questions   To the aspiring midwives who inquire about pay rates may I humbly suggest contacting the various registration boards and the associated state, dare I say it, Nursing unions around Australia to see exactly where 'they' view direct entry midwives in relation to pay scales, employment opportunities and accountability. Sorry but that's the system in place at present. I have heard whispers from some noted quarters 'not on par with registered nurse/midwife but along with enrolled nurse level'  which is rather unkind.   As various nursing/midwives conference motion agenda items are being prepared may I also suggest midwives specifically direct any midwifery related agenda items to be discussed  at the next conference start submitting to the local branch of QNU and associated unions. Get involved! One I have already submitted through our local QNU branch is along the lines that graduate midwives be supported in the post graduate year similar to what Queensland Health presently offers graduate nurses. Presently here in the SE Qld we have produced excellent graduate midwives but alas they are having trouble gaining employment in metropolitan hospitals which provides supported practice and instead are re-entering nursing or working in rural areas without support with mid clients few and far between. Cheers Barb     To: "Judy Chapman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: 12 hour shifts Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2002 16:19:22 +1000 Judy, No problems there Judy because its the "on call" status after their 8 hour shift which is allowable in the award. However, these midwives will have to be careful fatigue doesn't come into their practice because there is no protection for them from the QNC. When you described 12 hour shifts (without the on call factor) on ozmidwifery I knew it was not possible in QLD. Could you please correct this fact on the list before other unionised participants on the list expire? How many times does the on call midwife get 'called' in? Do the midwives prefer this system? The reason why I am asking is I am the only practicing midwife on the Industrial Policy committee of the QNU which has looked at several applications for 12 hour shifts in many areas but each QNU conference the submissions get voted down by members. We are currently reviewing a submission made last conference where after working 12 hours or more nurse/midwives will be required to have a full 24 hours off to prevent fatigue. What is your opinion of this? Recently, I saw an application to the SBU that QH wanted to close the McKay birthing teams project as quote 'it wasn't meeting clients needs'. Do you know anything about that?