I've been reading the NSW Mothers and Babies Report (2001) with great
interest over the past couple of weeks. The figures tell a shocking story -
of failed opportunity in midwifery led units to gross overservicing in the
private sector. I've explored some of the outcomes in My Diary entries over
the past week
I hope that the new Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Womens and Babies Unit can
improve its figures - - they are not as bad as some, but fall a long way
short of good. After my experience of their approach to public relations,
support during labour, attitudes to normal birth and silly water birth
policies I wrote to several people suggesting that a meeting to discuss
improvements might be in order. Sadly, they don't seem to think that it is
important to follow up on letters, let alone discuss the issues that I
raised - I have had no response of any kind. They did phone the mother
concerned, catching her at a time of stress when she was still in that
"early days" haze. She corroborated my comments in the letter (which she
hadn't seen) but all they seemed concerned about was obtaining an assurance
that she would use the hospital again for her next birth. I think she will
probably go elsewhere (she's even thinking now about home birth).
Such a contrastt to the staff at St George Hospital where I presented an
Active Birth workshop for their staff and students last week. Everyone,
from Jo Wills (the Patient Services Coordinator) down, was positive,
enthusiastic and committed to woman centred care. Their outcomes could be
better as well, but there is a strong feeling of positive action being
taken and a united philosophical approach driving their plans and care
patterns.
Andrea
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Andrea Robertson
Birth International * ACE Graphics * Associates in Childbirth Education
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
web: www.birthinternational.com
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