Monica, It would be a good idea to contact the ANF. In Victoria a project worker spent six months on developing appropriate and sustainable working arrangements for caseload models of care. No one in Vic will be able to work outside these arrangements, which takes the pressure off individual midwives who may find it difficult to negotiate a good deal with management, particularly when they are keen to work in the new models.
I think you are wise to be cautious as it is sometimes better to hold out for a fair deal than take on something unsustainable and have it all fall over. Then detractors of alternative models of midwifery can say 'we tried it but it doesn't work', making it more difficult for further reform to occur. Kind regards, Nicole Carver. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of mh Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 10:46 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ozmidwifery] caseload Hi everyone, We are having huge renovations where I work, just as well, we might even get more than one shower for our ten birth rooms- but apart from that, the Powers that be are considering caseload midwifery in the future. This was very exciting until they spelt ouy what they have in mind. I thought I'd present it here and ask if this is how others manage it? The plan is for teams of two midwives, booking eight women per month between them. There are to be no designated days off except annual leave and the midwives are to be on call 24/7. You aren't at the hospital all the time of course, only to do antenatal appts either at hosp or in mother's home, to be called in for labours and manage post natal care. Time not on call would have to be negotiated with other teams, for special events. The pay is envisaged as being base rate + 25% paid as a salary. this would result in me [it's all about me ; ) ] losing about $5000 a year. Is this how other caseload models work? I'm very disappointed; much as I love midwifery, I have a (very busy and demanding) life outside work as well. I can't be on call my entire life. Hoping to hear other arrangements, Monica By the way, on a purely personal note, some months ago I ranted about a complaint which had then been investigated and exonerated three times and was up to the NSW Midwives board to investigate my fitness to continue practicing- I heard today, I'm OK!! Completely vindicated and acted within the practice of a reasonable midwife, making correct judgement calls etc- I can't say what a relief it is as the woman making the complaint has made no secret of her desire to have me charged with murder, struck off, etc- I really feared that even though I acted within the hospital policies and procedures etc I was in danger of losing everything, just so the HCCC and the Area Health Service could get her off their backs. Especially with the witch hunts that have been going on over cases in Camden and Cambelltown. I'm so happy! I can continue to be a midwife! Monica -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
