I have been stirred to re establish links to ozmidwifery after receiving phone calls and many forwarded emails about a statement I was supposed to have made. I have seen my name bandied around with both damming and supportive statements from various subscribers to ozmidwifery. The aim of this email is to clear the air and make sure the facts are imparted to the people who exchange information on this list. I am not infallible either, years ago I made a statement on ozmidwifery that offended a colleague she approached me as a wise woman and it was sorted out very easily - that experience still sticks in my head and I thank Pat Brodie who guided me on that lesson. My aim is not to offend individuals, on the other hand this is a democracy and my democratic right is freedom of speech.
Firstly I received a telephone call some time ago from a Journalist who was writing an article about Professional Indemnity for Independent Midwives. She had been referred to me because she wanted to speak to a midwife who was practising without Indemnity Insurance. I agreed to respond to her questions about continuing to practice my skills and continue to provide a service to women in the absence of PI Insurance. I directed her to my Statement published on my Website. Very reasonable conversation. I have not seen her publication but I have received a lot of email information about cross talk on the airwaves between various people. I have read some of the interpretations of what I did not say as well as many varied interpretations of the various emails. There is obviously a lot of confusion and misinterpretations. Some time ago I made a clear Public Statement about my position regarding Professional Indemnity, anyone who is interested can read this on my website. www.melbmidwifery.com.au In the meantime I have replied to individuals whose emails have been forwarded to me and I have phone Vanessa Owen rather than get caught up in a tangle that destructs my collegiate relationship with her. I am still not clear how Vanessa's email was forwarded to and from ozmidwifery, all very messy as far as I am concerned. I have no problem making appropriate statements that affect me and my practice whenever it is necessary. Whether or not I am a member or an Organisation does not exclude or restrict me from being interviewed on a subject that I am passionate about. Melbourne Midwifery has been in existence for 17 years I feel I have the experience and authority to respond to Journalist's requests. I also support the heads of each organisation/group making their individual statements on behalf of the members. This makes for good healthy debate wherever it maybe published. This is a very important issue and should be discussed, debated and challenged on a professional level. "Horizontal violence" aimed at individuals is unhealthy. Provocative statements can be healthy, rippling the water brings about strong, exchange which could lead to change. What I don't appreciate is may name being used in relation to information which is out of context and is incorrect. It is easy just ask me and I will tell you the facts as they are. This is a recent example of how important it is to go straight to the source. About a week ago I was receiving emails and forwarded emails from concerned people about a meeting the ACMI was holding in Melbourne about Professional Indemnity. The main crux of the concern was that ACMI had not invited anyone from Midwives In Private Practice - "the major stakeholders". To find out more about these mysterious emails I phoned my colleague Annie who didn't know much about it herself, she also expressed concern about a MIIP member not being invited to represent IPM's. To make sure this did not become an issue I telephoned Lana Street direct to make enquiries and informed her that I was not a member. She was very helpful and gave me information that cleared the concern. As I understand it the meeting was actually for academics who were invited to discuss the consequences and effects of the loss of Professional Indemnity for student midwives in relation to their practice and placement. After talking to Alana I felt quite reassured - she said there was an Independent Midwife attending on further discussion she was representing the Nurses Board Victoria and I felt she could not represent me. Alana was very clear that the meeting was for academics in relation to students and our conversation was terminated with a very professional approach to my query and concern. The message is - don't respond to rumours and hearsay go to the source and find out. Health, Wealth & Happiness to all Robyn Thompson Melbourne Midwifery Specialist Services Pty Ltd (abn 34 007 423 994) Independent Midwifery Practice Midwife Practitioner * Homebirth * Lactation * Maternal & Child Health www.melbmidwifery.com.au [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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