Professor Katherine McGrath Chief Executive Officer Hunter Area Health Service Dear Professor McGrath The members of the ACT branch of the Australian College of Midwives Inc. were astounded and appalled to learn of the planned suspension of the John Hunter Team Midwifery program. We were most surprised to hear of the decision made by the Hunter Area Health Service, given that women are choosing to have their maternity care with the John Hunter Midwives team and that the Trade Practices Act supports choice for women using the health care system. We believe it most inappropriate that the John Hunter Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology could be so influential in a decision to 'suspend' a nationally and internationally recognised model of midwifery care. We hope the Hunter Area Health Service Executive reviews its decision. Yours sincerely Alison Chandra, President ACMI(ACT) Jenny Browne, Education Officer ACMI(ACT) PO Box 1918 Canberra City ACT 2600
