Title: Meet The Press Transcript
Hi All
When I posted the message the transcript wasn’t up so here it ‘tis for those who don’t have time to wade thru the interview. Can’t buy this national exposure!!
Justine Caines
Maternity Coalition
EMMA MACDONALD: Senator Lees, next week there's going to be a meeting discussing medical indemnity and the rising cost of insurance for doctors but midwives have not been included in that meeting - surely they are one of the target groups because their insurance costs have gone through the roof.
MEG LEES: And their insurance is actually going to end. We are having women now, it was reported to me yesterday, actually birthing at home on their own because they cannot any longer get a midwife, the midwives being uninsured and unable to work. Fortunately, there has been some intervention from the PM's office and they at least have observer status but we need the midwives, we need the nurse practitioners, on the floor, actually in the debate and being part of whatever is the solution and that solution is needed urgently.
PAUL BONGIORNO: The AMA is calling for a national insurance scheme for medical indemnity, so that obstetricians, for example can work in regional hospitals. We've seen problems with that in NSW last year. Do you support any concept of a national indemnity scheme for doctors?
MEG LEES: Yes, we do but not just for doctors. We need it to be for the medical profession in its entirety And this is where we have to have midwives covered. We know the benefits of good midwifery care. We know that not only is it cheaper, which should attract Treasury, but it is actually better for mother and baby - the hospital stay is shorter and mum is actually supported, or the family is supported, as the baby settles in.
