Re: [ozmidwifery] midwife is a midwife...?

[Justine Caines]

Title: Re: [ozmidwifery] midwife is a midwife...?

Dear Nicole and all

I assume you are talking about Katoomba?

I was unaware that you were still involved.  The lack of action at Katoomba is a tragedy and I believe it was set up to fail (no different to many other AHS’ -don’t worry).

Although Keep Birthing in the Mountains was/is an organisational member of Maternity Coalition it did not link under their umbrella for lobbying (as I suggested).  The success of small groups is to join with the major force in advocacy (and gain the support etc). I have supported some of the wonderful midwives from Katoomba but not much more.  MC is happy to provide support and assist with the campaign.  I know it is only as a unified force that  we will achieve anything.

The Shearman Report of 1989 proves to me that very little will be achieved at the AHS level. (4 AHS agreed to visiting rights for IPM’s despite it being a recommendation!)

The NSW Maternity Services Framework another example.  
It is close to the end of its 5 yr life and a major recommendation on models of care has all but been ignored.

Onto the good news though! I don’t see Camden/C’town as a problem, this care was under an obstetric model, actually I see it working for stand alone midwifery) and the other major bonus is the operation of Ryde (without anaesth/obstet cover).  Another plus is the work we are doing for a public funded state wide HB service (again this will be midwifery without Obs!)

I urge you to link in with us (with another babe (6wks) I need all the help I can get).  Carol Chapman has taken on the role of NSW President and is great.  The work she is doing in the Hunter has a made a HUGE difference, resulting is a recent decision to have stand alone services at Belmont.

ALSO this is a perfect opportunity to gather support and come to the MC National Day of Action  (Saturday May 8) to highlight the lack of action at the state government level and put this on the federal agenda!  A bus is coming from Newcastle and many are driving huge distances to stage one huge event (I am doing 800km round trip with the Tarago full!).

Talk off list and I can send more info etc.

In solidarity
Justine
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Justine Caines
National President  Maternity Coalition Inc
PO Box 105
MERRIWA  NSW  2329
Ph: (02) 65482248
Mob: 0408 210273
E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]