RE: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville
Congratulations Phillippa and all involved in Townsville. With the report by Cherrell Hirst and raised public profile for midwives and birthing women in Queensland media in the past 6-12 months it's an exciting time for midwifery in Queensland. When Qld Branch President Jenny Gamble, Jocelyn Toohill and I met with Minister Gordon Nuttall a few weeks ago he provided repeated assurances of his support for the kinds of evidence-based midwifery led services being recommended by the Hirst report. We need to keep finding practical ways of supporting the Minister to help make this a reality across the State. Well done to TownsvilleA Birth Centre will be a major enhancement to local services for birthing women and their families. Hopefully you will find the College's National Midwifery Consultation and Referral Guidelines of use in 'holding the space' for midwives who come to work in the BC to provide care in a midwifery model. Kind regards Barb. Dr Barbara Vernon Executive Officer Australian College of Midwives Ph +61 2 6230 7333 Mob 0438 855 529 'Midwifery: Pathways to Healthy Nations' 27th Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives Brisbane Convention Centre, 24-28 July 2005 www.midwives2005.com/index.shtml From: Philippa Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 15 June 2005 11:52:32 PM To: ozmidwifery ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville - 2nd post, I dont think it came through the first time Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Well I am pleased to announce (before anyone else does, given that we did most of the hard work) that a Birth Centre should be operational in Townsville by the end of the year. Talks with the District Director, Ken Whelan, for our region last week were enough to get our hopes up then we hear today that Minister for Health Gordon Nuttall is keen to announce the plans after he gets a look at our direction statement, so he knows what we are about. We are over the moon whilst this is to be an implementation of the model of care out the back of the current birth suite it will be the first step on the way to a birth centre in a separate building on hospital grounds. May I say a big congratulations to all those who worked very hard to make this happen. Anything is possible when we stand together as women families. It also helps that the timing was superb. Well before the tears obscure my vision completely I will sign off. Congratulations Townsville!! Cheers, Philippa Scott Birth Buddies Supporting Women ~ Creating Life President - Friends of the Birth Centre Townsville attachment: winmail.dat
RE: [ozmidwifery] Problems With new Models
Dear Mary Congratulations on your funding. Whereabouts is your service? The College of Midwives would be happy to provide any assistance it can. Regards Barb. Dr Barbara Vernon Executive Officer Australian College of Midwives Ph +61 2 6230 7333 Mob 0438 855 529 'Midwifery: Pathways to Healthy Nations' 27th Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives Brisbane Convention Centre, 24-28 July 2005 www.midwives2005.com/index.shtml _ Begin forwarded message: From: Mary Doyle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 15 June 2005 8:49:14 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Problems With new Models Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Dear Andrea and others, We too have received funding for a great continuity of care model, despite small numbers of women. Negativity abounds however and many of our current midwives however are loathe to change their current ' 8 hour shift' status because 1) they have been doing it this way for 10 or 20 years, 2) they are not prepared to give up their lives for being 'on-call' 3) many are nearing retirement age (me included) 4) they are not confident in doing antenatal care5) (most importantly) They have never had the wonderful pleasure of doing true 'continuity of care'!!! We have yet to formally approach the recruitment of midwives for the team, and I see lots of head-bashing in the meantime. I will however continue to try for the sake of the mother and fathers to be, and for the midwives that will follow on in the future. They will learn that this is the only way to go, and 8 hour shifts in caring for women are long gone! Mary Doyle Alpine Health - Original Message - From: Melanie Jane Dunstan To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 4:59 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Problems With new Models HI All Just on the topic of Midwifery Models of Care. Is there any other Hospitals in Victoria having trouble with implementation of the models that have received funding from DHS? Just would be interesting to know Regards Mel - Original Message - From: Andrea Bilcliff To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2005 9:06 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Problems With new Models Hi Carol, I find this very sad too. You are in the unique wonderful position of having both the funding obstetric support. What a pity there's no midwifery interest. One night and one weekend a month is not much to be on call really. (I would love to be in a group practice where I could have one weekend OFF call a month!!!) I understand that not all midwives are able or willing to work in this way but I have to say that as a single mum having worked both shiftwork and caseload, caseload is by far more family friendly for me. I don't have the back up of a partner/husband for childcare. Trying to work 2 weeks of night duty in every 6 was impossible. And how could I get my children to school if I worked earlies, who would pick them up and feed them after school if I worked lates? A run of late/earlies would leave me exhausted cranky. I often got sick. Now, the bulk of my work is 9am - 3pm, M-F. If a conference or study day is coming up that I want to attend, (or anything else for that matter) I just don't schedule appointments for that day. Occasionally I work on weekends or evenings as the need arises. The maximum number of times I would be called out in any month would be 4 if I had a 'full load' for that month. Often I don't. My children are getting that bit older now and it's getting even easier. I get excited when the woman or her partner calls to tell me they are in labour! I used to drag myself into hospital for each shift before. I can't even begin to articulate just how rewarding it is to work with women their families from pregnancy through to 6 weeks. And then when they come back for baby no 2 3...!!! Would Warragul consider mentoring graduated B Mid postgrad dips in the program? I wonder if it is the location that is a problem too? Sending you some cyberhugs as I can imagine how frustrating this is for you Carol, Andrea Bilcliff - Original Message - From: Carol Van Lochem To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2005 5:39 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Problems With new Models Hi all, I have posted here from time to time, but mostly I'm a lurker. I work in a team midwifery model at Warragul, where we have lots of midwives who believe in continuity of care, support the women as central to the whole prossess and have a supportive obstetrician to back us up. Our problem is in recruiting midwives to work in our model. Nobody wants to do all that on call.They want to have a life. After all these years of fighting for this type of thing it seems there are not enough of us around to fill this role. Many support the model in principal, but don't see how they can fit it into their own
Re: [ozmidwifery] International words for midwife
Great initiative, I will tell my friends that are coming to the ICM conference to buy some for me. In Flamish and Dutch the normal word for midwife is 'vroedvrouw'. Some ancient names are 'baker' or 'bakel'or 'goeivrouw' a modern word is also 'verloskundige' but it is much smaller in meaning as 'vroedvrouw'. 'vroedvrouw' means 'wijze vrouw' as in French 'sage-femme' In German a midwife is called 'Hebamme' greetings Lieve - Oorspronkelijk bericht - Van: midwives [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Verzonden: donderdag, juni 16, 2005 03:11 AM Aan: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Onderwerp: RE: [ozmidwifery] International words for midwife Many thanks great site Renee Kludas NSW Midwives Association Inc PO Box 62 Glebe 2037 P+ 02 9281 9522 F+ 02 9281 0335 E+ [EMAIL PROTECTED] W+ www.nswmidwives.com.au -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jennifairy Sent: Wednesday, 15 June 2005 8:03 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] International words for midwife try this site: http://www.websters-dictionary-online.org/definition/midwife#Mtranslation scroll down to 'translations' an interesting site, huh? cheers jennifairy midwives wrote: Hi everyone, I was wondering if you would be able to help me. We are trying to compile a list of translations for the word midwife. If anyone and everyone who is multilingual could email me their translations that would be great. We are especially after indigenous translations. We would like to put the list on a Tshirt for ICM so would like to represent as many countries/groups as possible. Renee Kludas **NSW Midwives Association Inc** PO Box 62 Glebe 2037 **P+** 02 9281 9522 **F+** 02 9281 0335 **E+** [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] **W+** www.nswmidwives.com.au http://www.nswmidwives.com.au No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.3/15 - Release Date: 14/06/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.3/15 - Release Date: 14/06/2005 -- 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. -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
[ozmidwifery] Fw: AAP story: Abbotts private health insurance angle
Title: Message Hi everyone, apologies for cross postings this is theaap's take on the summit yesterday. basically the smh also ran with the aap line but good to have the 'original' so to speak. Congrats to everyone in Mareeba and Townsville on the timely move from transition to birth. Kind Regards Sally-Anne - Original Message - From: Willis, Liz (Sen A. Ridgeway) To: Sally-Anne Brown Cc: Robyn Thompson ; Jan Robinson ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 10:53 AM Subject: AAP story: Abbotts private health insurance angle Fed: Midwife groups call for govt help in securing insuranceIndemnity MidwivesBy Melissa PolimeniCANBERRA, June 15 AAP - Women are being denied childbirth choices because the government is failing to help midwives secure medical indemnity insurance, midwife groups say. Representatives of the midwives meeting in Canberra today called on the government to step in and protect private practitioners by helping them secure indemnity insurance and cover their services through Medicare. Their call was backed by Labor and the minor parties. Jan Robinson of the Australian Society of Independent Midwives said that while the government had helped doctors and other medical professionals through an earlier insurance crisis, midwives had been largely ignored. "The reality is that since we have lost our ability to access professional indemnity insurance, a lot of our members have been forced to quit their practices," Ms Robinson said. The government spent almost $600 million to resolve the doctors' negligence insurance crisis since the near collapse of the nation's biggest insurer, United Medical Protection (UMP), in 2002. The intervention helped prevent a mass walkout by doctors and included direct subsidies to insurers to cut premium costs. Ms Robinson said the government should now step in to help midwives, to give women greater childbirth choices. "There are many women giving birth at home unattended because they cannot access a midwife who will care for them in a private capacity. "And they do not have the trust or the faith in the hospital system to go there and have their babies." But Health Minister Tony Abbott said the government could not force insurers to provide coverage to midwives. "The government is aware that insurance companies won't indemnify self-employed midwives," Mr Abbott said in a statement. "However, the government cannot compel insurance providers to cover independent midwives and the government is not an insurer. "The governments of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT have extended indemnity coverage to include self-employed midwives and I would encourage the other states to follow." Mr Abbott said the government was willing to help midwives through private health insurance measures. "If the midwives wanted to put a proposal to the government to have independent midwives' services covered by private health insurance we would consider it," he said. Australian Democrats Leader Lyn Allison urged the government to go further and provide Medicare numbers for midwifery services. "If this government is about choice it needs to fix the Medicare schedules so that midwives can be included," Senator Allison said. AAP mjp/sb/jt/sd No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.5/18 - Release Date: 15/06/2005 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.5/18 - Release Date: 15/06/2005
Re: [ozmidwifery] Homebirth Albury/Wodonga
Hi Jus Joy Cocks [EMAIL PROTECTED]> Robyn Thompson Jan Jan Robinson Independent Midwife Practitioner National Coordinator Australian Society of Independent Midwives 8 Robin Crescent South Hurstville NSW 2221 Phone/Fax: 02 9546 4350 e-mail address: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> website: www.midwiferyeducation.com.au On 14 Jun, 2005, at 10:18, Justine Caines wrote: Dear All Does anyone know of an independent midwife covering the Albury/Wodonga area?? Many Thanks Justine Justine Caines Secretary Homebirth Australia PO Box 105 Merriwa NSW 2329 Ph: (02) 65482248 E-Mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.homebirthaustralia.org
Re: [ozmidwifery] Problems With new Models
Carol Your description does sound attractive Where have you advertised??Would you be prepared to preceptor new BMid student's I would think they more than most are looking for caseload opportunity Especially in such a location?? Ryde which hasRyde Midwifery Group Practice like the one in Adelaide at the Women's and Children's Hospital is in a capital city Ryde Soldier's Hospital where the MGP is located is a west-North suburb of Sydney near Denistone railway station. As I said I would be comparing notes with manager's of the few other Australian caseload locations (Ryde, WCHS ) to see if you can borrow management, retention/recruitmentideas to solve your difficulty. Have you discussed this situation with the Barb Vernon at ACMI to see if they can help recruit midwives for you through their journal or newsletter?? Denise Hynd "Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled." ? Linda Hes - Original Message - From: Carol Van Lochem To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 8:46 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Problems With new Models Hi Denise, No I haven't spoken to Ryde. Are they in W.A.? Warragul is 1 hour East of Melbourne. It is beautiful dairy country with rolling hills. It is 1 hour from the beach 1 hour from Mount Baw Baw if you're into skiing. Doesn't it just want to make you live here?;)) CarolFrom: "Denise Hynd" [EMAIL PROTECTED]Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.auTo: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.auSubject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Problems With new ModelsDate: Tue, 14 Jun 2005 17:23:32 +0800Dear CarolHave you compared notes with the managers of RydeAs I spoke to several midwives ther and they have no problems recruiting??Could it be a reflection of your location as I do not know where Warragul isPersonally I want to go back to case load midwifery but I want to stay here in Perth to do it so am working for change here!!If it looks a no goer Imight think of going where I have family in Adelaide Sydney or go to NZ for a complete change ?Denise Hynd"Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled."- Linda Hes-- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe. No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.3/15 - Release Date: 14/06/2005
Re: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville - 2nd post, I dont think it came through the first time
All Qlf consumers and midwives should be making the most of the current need of the Beattie govt to get positive news about anything out of Qld Health !! Denise Hynd "Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled." ? Linda Hes - Original Message - From: Kirsten Dobbs To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 7:02 AM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville - 2nd post, I dont think it came through the first time Congratulations Townsville alright! Kirsten Darwin From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Philippa ScottSent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 11:23 PMTo: ozmidwiferySubject: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville - 2nd post, I dont think it came through the first time Well I am pleased to announce (before anyone else does, given that we didmost ofthe hard work) that a Birth Centre should be operational in Townsville by the end of the year. Talks with the District Director, Ken Whelan,for our region last week were enough to get our hopes up then we hear today that Minister for Health Gordon Nuttall is keen to announce the plans after he gets a look at our direction statement, so he knows what we are about. We are over the moon whilst this is to be an implementation of the model of care out the back of the current birth suite it will be the first step on the way to a birth centre in a separate building on hospital grounds. May I say a big congratulations to all those who worked very hard to make this happen. Anything is possible when we stand together as women families. It also helps that the timing was superb. Well before the tears obscure my vision completely I will sign off. Congratulations Townsville!! Cheers, Philippa ScottBirth BuddiesSupporting Women ~ Creating LifePresident - Friends of the Birth Centre Townsville No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.3/15 - Release Date: 14/06/2005
Re: [ozmidwifery] Joyous Birth reminder - 25th June
Thanks for this Janet I'll put it in the next Communique. The hands have been a great success and attracted much attention at our Insurance Summit yesterday. Cheers Jan Jan Robinson Independent Midwife Practitioner National Coordinator Australian Society of Independent Midwives 8 Robin Crescent South Hurstville NSW 2221 Phone/Fax: 02 9546 4350 e-mail address: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> website: www.midwiferyeducation.com.au On 14 Jun, 2005, at 09:30, Janet Fraser wrote: x-tad-biggerJoyous Birth/x-tad-bigger is turning One! x-tad-bigger/x-tad-biggerx-tad-biggerCome celebrate home birth!/x-tad-biggerx-tad-biggerJoin us for our anniversary bash. Beautiful food, belly dancing, artwork, inspiration, birth stories and, as ever, lots of support!/x-tad-biggerWhere: 7 Abercorn Avenue Ivanhoe VIC 3079 When: 6pm Saturday 25 June 2005 How much: $10 a head - children and midwives free For more information Janet 9499 8954, Tracey 9727 2040 We will alsobe signing letters and hands for the ongoing indemnity campaign! Joyous Birth Home Birth Forum - a world first! http://www.joyousbirth.info/forums/ Accessing Artemis Birth Trauma Recovery http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/accessingartemis
[ozmidwifery] Home birth Canberra? Or anywhere else, for that matter...
Hi all, I've tried emailing but had no success. Does anyone know if the group is still operating? I'm looking for details for the Joyous Birth website. We're doing a state by state breakdown of hb groups. So anyone else who wants a listing, please contact me! Best, J Joyous Birth Home Birth Forum - a world first!http://www.joyousbirth.info/forums/
Re: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville - 2nd post, I dont think it came through the first time
I am truly envious of the progress you are all making towrds this soprt of thing. We in Colac are currently facing (from 16/6 to 17/7) having no general surgeon in town, as he is on holidays. This means that we are not allowed to acceptANY primips in this time. It was all we could do to convince the drs here that we should be able to accept multis. So this means that any primips or women who are considered to be in a high risk categoryhave to make the trek down the highway to Geelong. Granted it is only an hour but this is so disruptive to women , their families and their support people, as well as us midwives being put in the position of informing these women, as quite often their drs fail to tell them. Oh well, i gues we have to take baby steps. Sally, i know you know exactly what i am talking about.LOL Pauline
Re: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville - 2nd post, I dont think it came through the first time
Hi Paulahow long have you worked in Colac for? Are you from that area? I am just showing interest as my husband's family live in Camperdown. We live in Far North Qld. Were i am working in a small rural hospital in Atherton...we also face closures over weekends from time to time, which means ALL our women must go to Cairns (1hour away)...if not in "established labour"!!!??? Cheers, Tanya Fleming. - Original Message - From: Pauline To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 2:53 AM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville - 2nd post, I dont think it came through the first time I am truly envious of the progress you are all making towrds this soprt of thing. We in Colac are currently facing (from 16/6 to 17/7) having no general surgeon in town, as he is on holidays. This means that we are not allowed to acceptANY primips in this time. It was all we could do to convince the drs here that we should be able to accept multis. So this means that any primips or women who are considered to be in a high risk categoryhave to make the trek down the highway to Geelong. Granted it is only an hour but this is so disruptive to women , their families and their support people, as well as us midwives being put in the position of informing these women, as quite often their drs fail to tell them. Oh well, i gues we have to take baby steps. Sally, i know you know exactly what i am talking about.LOL Pauline
[ozmidwifery] physiological 3rd stage
Dear list-wives Have just had a frustrating 'discussion' with one of our obs. A woman has written a very clear birth plan stating that she wants no interventions unless absolutely necessary. The 'problem' being that she is a JW and will not accept a transfusion under any circumstances. The said obs was of the opinion that she should not be 'allowed' the choice of physiological 3rd stagein this case so as to prevent the risk of haemorrhage. I wonder if any of you know of any studies into physiological 3rd stage that I can use here? There is plenty of 'evidence' about the 'wisdom' of prophelactic use of oxytocics, but naturally the doctors, and sadly very few midwives, have any experience of expectant management of third stage. I am quite upset about the attitude displayed here that the woman's informed wishes are not being respected, but of course got no-where in trying to discuss this. This girl is no more likely to bleed than any other person, but she has now been 'persuaded' to alter her birth plan. Thetrouble is she now has a raised BP at term and has been admitted. I can almost hear the 'cascade' starting! Any good evidence gratefully recieved. Regards, Sue "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"Edmund Burke
Re: [ozmidwifery] physiological 3rd stage
Dear Sue Who is it you want the evidence for woman or the Ob?The women has accept the dr's scaremongering I think both need information on what is informed consent And she needs to be reminded to trust her own god given body's ability to give birth which if she were in many other "undeveloped" countries would not be questioned see the Health Consumer's Council pages and leaflets http://www.hcc-wa.asn.au/pages/questions_doc.html and as you sad on the cascade of Intervention I can hear it in operation from here!! Denise Hynd "Let us support one another, not just in philosophy but in action, for the sake of freedom for all women to choose exactly how and by whom, if by anyone, our bodies will be handled." ? Linda Hes - Original Message - From: Susan Cudlipp To: midwifery list Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 10:03 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] physiological 3rd stage Dear list-wives Have just had a frustrating 'discussion' with one of our obs. A woman has written a very clear birth plan stating that she wants no interventions unless absolutely necessary. The 'problem' being that she is a JW and will not accept a transfusion under any circumstances. The said obs was of the opinion that she should not be 'allowed' the choice of physiological 3rd stagein this case so as to prevent the risk of haemorrhage. I wonder if any of you know of any studies into physiological 3rd stage that I can use here? There is plenty of 'evidence' about the 'wisdom' of prophelactic use of oxytocics, but naturally the doctors, and sadly very few midwives, have any experience of expectant management of third stage. I am quite upset about the attitude displayed here that the woman's informed wishes are not being respected, but of course got no-where in trying to discuss this. This girl is no more likely to bleed than any other person, but she has now been 'persuaded' to alter her birth plan. Thetrouble is she now has a raised BP at term and has been admitted. I can almost hear the 'cascade' starting! Any good evidence gratefully recieved. Regards, Sue "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"Edmund Burke No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.3/15 - Release Date: 14/06/2005
RE: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville
Phillippa, The consultation and referral guidelines can be downloaded from our website at http://www.acmi.org.au/text/merchandise/allmerchandise.htm or you can purchase a laminated A5 copy by phoning the College National Office. Regards Barb. Dr Barbara Vernon Executive Officer Australian College of Midwives Ph +61 2 6230 7333 Mob 0438 855 529 'Midwifery: Pathways to Healthy Nations' 27th Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives Brisbane Convention Centre, 24-28 July 2005 www.midwives2005.com/index.shtml _ From: Philippa Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 16 June 2005 9:01:34 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Thank you for the support Barbara, We are interested in all things that support midwives to do there work with more satisfaction for them others. Can you tell me how to access the guidelines? Are they on the ACMI website? Cheers Philippa Scott Birth Buddies Supporting Women ~ Creating Life President - Friends of the Birth Centre Townsville - Original Message - From: Dr Barbara Vernon [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Cc: Jenny Gamble [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 4:48 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville Congratulations Phillippa and all involved in Townsville. With the report by Cherrell Hirst and raised public profile for midwives and birthing women in Queensland media in the past 6-12 months it's an exciting time for midwifery in Queensland. When Qld Branch President Jenny Gamble, Jocelyn Toohill and I met with Minister Gordon Nuttall a few weeks ago he provided repeated assurances of his support for the kinds of evidence-based midwifery led services being recommended by the Hirst report. We need to keep finding practical ways of supporting the Minister to help make this a reality across the State. Well done to TownsvilleA Birth Centre will be a major enhancement to local services for birthing women and their families. Hopefully you will find the College's National Midwifery Consultation and Referral Guidelines of use in 'holding the space' for midwives who come to work in the BC to provide care in a midwifery model. Kind regards Barb. Dr Barbara Vernon Executive Officer Australian College of Midwives Ph +61 2 6230 7333 Mob 0438 855 529 'Midwifery: Pathways to Healthy Nations' 27th Congress of the International Confederation of Midwives Brisbane Convention Centre, 24-28 July 2005 www.midwives2005.com/index.shtml From: Philippa Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 15 June 2005 11:52:32 PM To: ozmidwifery ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: [ozmidwifery] A birth centre for Townsville - 2nd post, I dont think it came through the first time Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Well I am pleased to announce (before anyone else does, given that we did most of the hard work) that a Birth Centre should be operational in Townsville by the end of the year. Talks with the District Director, Ken Whelan, for our region last week were enough to get our hopes up then we hear today that Minister for Health Gordon Nuttall is keen to announce the plans after he gets a look at our direction statement, so he knows what we are about. We are over the moon whilst this is to be an implementation of the model of care out the back of the current birth suite it will be the first step on the way to a birth centre in a separate building on hospital grounds. May I say a big congratulations to all those who worked very hard to make this happen. Anything is possible when we stand together as women families. It also helps that the timing was superb. Well before the tears obscure my vision completely I will sign off. Congratulations Townsville!! Cheers, Philippa Scott Birth Buddies Supporting Women ~ Creating Life President - Friends of the Birth Centre Townsville -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe. attachment: winmail.dat
[ozmidwifery] Re: Colac the Otways - reigniting the flame of reclamation
Dear Pauline, Great to hear from you all in Colac. I am sorry I have not been home (Apollo Bay) since feb to support you all. Have had a wonderful catch up with Cheryl Cahill at the Wollongong hospital last year ! It has been truly frustrating to the extreme what has been happenning in the Otways over the past few years. As you may know the Colac Families Babies group have been fighting hard to keep the issues alive and did a brilliant job of taking it to the local press over the past few years. We (the Otway Greens candidates) have also raised and campaigned vigorously for the implementationof localised maternity services with a known midwife (continuity of carer) to be funded at every state and federal election over the past five years. Our closest step was the ALP candidate for Corangamite in the 2001 federal election who gave a 100% costedcommittment to this publically ; at a state wide midwives rally (in reponse tothe insurance debacle) held in Geelong during the election campaign, and throughout the local and state media that played out during the campaign. It is important to note the ALP commitment was supported andapproved by the prime movers and shakers in the federal ALP (the centre right) before the party been preferenced ahead of the conservatives. But of course the reform of maternity services did not get a look in as Stewart McCarthur was dutifully re-elected by our constituents for his umpteenth term and the federal government agenda is to close more services in rural and remote areas to centralise rseources and pump up thealready obstetrically overserviced well women in regional and metro settings. surpise surprise ! I would suggest that if the midwives were to support the women (Colac FAB) who have been campaigning (and some needing to resume other commitments) to reignite the flame and further the issues - you will be able to get the crucial political and media coverage needed to make a difference.This is particluarly important asVictorians go to the polls again in Nov 2006 and a 15 mth campaign could be highly effective. In addition to the next federal election where Stewart may even consider retirement which will also pave the way for reform. We all know there is no evidence to suggest a woman should be automatically transferred because there is no surgical/obstetric cover. Unfortunately you only need to check out where the decisions are being made at Colac Area Health and Otway Health to know that this is not going to change without some serious input from the state and federal pollies. I would like to share with you an example of this: In Feb this yearthe women of the Apollo Bay Families Babies group (AB-FAB) held a rally outside the hospital (Otway Health Community Services). Around 40 women, menand children(of a total pop 1000) gathered to share their stories and opposition to the CEO's decision to pull the plug on women having lost the choice to be able to come back to their local hospitalpostnatally. So women are now not able to return to their families in the 4-24 hrs postpartum as has been the case since the hospital closed their birthing services. The CEO Ms Jeanette Grant closed the postnatal service without any consultation with the community - claiming she had approached 5 women to come to this arrangement. The rally was sparked in reponse to the closure ;one that had been concealed from all the women who attended the rally and for the many women in the Otways unable to (also the biggest employer in town !) and in response to the unnecassary debacle that transpired when a woman had given birth at the local hospital (not allowed to since the late eighties !!) because she did not have time to travel the usual 1-3 hrs one way to give birth ! The woman was allegedly treatedwell by the staff of the service butappaullingly by management who enforced a decision to still transfer the well woman and her baby at 11.30 at night (2 hrs postnatally) to Colac hospital 75 kms away from her family.It would appear the CEO had suddenly closed the postnatal beds at 9.30pm at night !! The ambos had to come from Geelong (104 kms away- travelling a total of 5 hrs at a cost to the public purse of $2,500) This all took place during the peak rush of chrissy - new year week andthe ambos did not know the windy Otway Ranges roads whichthe womanexpressed to be another aspect of the 'drama that was imposed upon her'. All in the name of hiding from local women that someone had birthed there !! The rally and media coverage was brought to the attention of StateHealth Minister (Bronwyn Pike) and whilst the services are yet to be reinstated - we knew the hospital board had to be subverted as there had been some interesting unfoldments about the boards handling of the situation which due to the litigious nature of threats made by the CEO on several occassions to members of staff etc, the AB-FAB grouphad no choice but to
