[Please forward] The question of responding to the DHS phone-in for the Women's Health and Wellbeing Strategy has been on my mind. How can anyone contribute in a way that will be useful? This was discussed at the midwifery discussion group last night.
The answer is that we all need to respond, and by responding in a coordinated and organised way, we will strengthen our voice. Getting recognised as a strategy for women's health and wellbeing in this discussion paper is only one of many actions that need to be taken. By getting the COMMUNITY MIDWIFERY option identified as a strategic direction that the community really wants (ie lots of people say it, in their own words) we can then use the strategy to support further lobbying. It's not just a matter of what you personally would like to be able to do when you have a baby, or even what's available locally where you are. The maternity services in Victoria are patchy and fragmented - not good! There are little projects that get funded for a couple of years then get derailed for lots of reasons. The problem that needs to be addressed is that our current health funding for mainstream services does not support women who want community based midwifery, with a primary care midwife who has access to the specialist public hospital services when required, which is arguably the safest, most cost effective option for well women. We are not asking for more funding - just for access to what's there. Remember that as an organisation Maternity Coalition is committed to lobbying for reform of maternity services. Not a small task. The choice of 'what's best for me' should belong to the consumer of the service, not the provider - which is the current situation, and why reform is needed. If a woman happens to work out that she would like to have a *known* midwife attending her for perhaps the most demanding and intense activity she has ever engaged in [ie giving birth and becoming a mother], the ONLY way she can get that in the current system is NOT to use the system. [Unless she happens to get into one of the rare caseload programs that are here today, and ? tomorrow] She has to find her own midwife, and give birth in the only place she has control over, which is her home. That's a great option, but it should NOT be the only option, and it should NOT have a price tag attached, and should NOT be removed at the whim of insurance companies. The community does want this strategy in place. Maternity Coalition is nearing its goal of 10 THOUSAND SIGNATURES on the Midwifery Campaign petition!!! I hope this little pep talk encourages a lot of people to respond to this particular phone in. Joy Johnston The details of the inquiry are: FOR YOUR INFORMATION - FROM: Ms Deb Pietsch on (03) 96168611 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ms Rachael Green on (03) 96168030 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] ****************************************************************** The Victorian Government is putting together a Women's Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which aims to: * Improve the health and wellbeing of women, particularly those most at risk * Provide a policy framework for planning, funding and delivery of services to women in relation to their health and wellbeing A Discussion paper has been developed, outlining key issues facing Victorian women, and proposed action areas and strategies to respond to these. We are keen to hear what you have to say about the Discussion Paper, and this PHONE IN is another opportunity for you to tell us what you think. PHONE IN Please call on (03) 9616 7380: Friday 8 February 2002 between 10am to 7pm Saturday 9 February 2002 between 10am to 5pm (the cost to rural callers will be considered, with the option of call back) For further information about the Strategy or for a copy of the Discussion Paper, call Ms Deb Pietsch on (03) 96168611 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ms Rachael Green on (03) 96168030 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or access the website www.women.vic.gov.au -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
