[ozmidwifery] Frances Perry Sofitel programme?

[Tania Smallwood]

Hello everyone,   Just wanting to know if there's anyone out there who is working in, or knows about the Frances Perry Sofitel programme?  Apparently (according to a prominent parenting website) this hospital is employing 'nurses' 24/7 for women who have had a normal birth, and the women leave the hospital, and stay at the hotel for 2-3 nights with the round the clock care from a 'nurse'.  I'm a bit blown away by it, not sure what I think.  I suppose my mind is saying, if these well women, who have birthed normally, can stay at a hotel one day after they have given birth, then why do they need a specialist for birth?  Why is their health insurance company paying for this?  Why aren't they home?  I dunno, it just seems like another way for a private hospital to appeal to their market.  I wonder what their usage is, given that here in SA our private hospital stats regarding 'normal' birth are appalling, I can't imagine it would be used very much here.  But all the same, it would perpetuate the illusion that the women are getting the best care.  Hmmmm...and are these midwives or nurses providing the post-natal care?   Tania