Dear Miranda,
Yes Miranda, baby Natalia's death was indeed
tragic, as is the death of any baby.(Playing politics... 26th Feb 06) As
the tribunal stated... there was no guarantee the baby would have lived if a
caesarean had been ordered. This situation also happens in large hospitals
with hot and cold running specialists.. in fact statistically it is more
likely to happen in that situation. What if the theatres are full? That means
just as long a wait for surgery in a unit where staff are on call. Why do you
continue on to demonise midwifery models of care? Or small unit safety? If you
had done your research instead of just spruiking for a doctor, you would have
found a recent study released by Prof. Sally Tracey which clearly and
definitively proves the safety of smaller birthing units in Australia.
As for a transfer of resources to the Central
Coast.... well ..
a) There IS life outside of
the great metropolis, where families deserve to be able to exercise choices in
care.... or do you suggest a birthing woman from Budgewoi should risk birthing
on the side of the F3 in a rush to RNS?? and...
b) About the biggest thing
that the Central Coast got from the amalgamation is a share of the large debt,
which has lead to a staffing crisis in Central Coast maternity services, where
there is an embargo enforced on recruitment. This means that no new
appropriately qualified midwives can be employed... hows that for
safety?
Your warning about political meddling in
childbirth is appropriate. What about unnecessary medical meddling in
childbirth? That is just as dangerous. Miranda, do your homework. The figures
about midwifery models of care vs. medical models speak for themselves. Yes,
women should have a choice about birth. What you want to take away from them
IS CHOICE, a choice of where to birth. It is a woman's choice if she
wants to birth in a small, friendly, non medical environment where her midwife
will protect her dignity and the sanctity of birth to allow the natural
process to unfold without dangerous medical interference.
Miranda, when are you going to stop this
unfounded scaremongering?
Diane
