Can anyone point me in the right direction. I guess I am looking for a solicitor or someone that is able to give a legal opinion on the Doula agreement I have with clients. One of the Private hospitals here has issues with Doulas working there, I assume it is from fear of being sued and the hospital being liable. I tried to contact Jo Morrisey who lectures at James Cook Uni on Health Care and the law but he is on long service leave. They have written me a letter requiring my "professional Credentials and evidence that I have Indemnity insurance in the sum of $10m for any one claim and up to $20m in the aggregate per annum. I am not permitted to perform services of a professional nature at the hospital until these issues have been addressed." I don't provide advice or opinions or perform any clinical or medical tasks and basically work in the same role as a mother or sister or friend would support a woman at their hospital. The only real difference is I have a contract agreement with the woman and I receive payment for the service.
I know Doulas work in Priavate hospitals without there being any issues in other parts of Australia. And what do independant midwives do about working at private Hospitals. I am pretty sure when I birthed at Royal Women's hospital in randwick a year ago that Independant midwives were able to work there with clients who hired them and wished to use the birthing centre. And Midiwives can't get insurance so what do the hospitals do in that situation? Please excuse me if this is not well written but I have been typing up letters to the editor and media releases pushing for better maternity services with one on one midwifery care for the last few hours and brain is definately tiring. thanks in advance Honey -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
