Hello everyone,
I'm just home from the Sentate hearing in Brisbane... and from my
perspective it was great... just great. The Senators and their staff were
welcoming, helpful, knowledgeable ( yes, they had all read and thought
about our submissions) and the questions asked, though direct and
confronting, gave much scope to respond in positive terms about Midwifery,
the relationship midwives have with women (particularly indigenous women)
the cost effectiveness of midwifery care models, and the safety and
satisfaction of women and their families who choose midwifery care.
The Senators were particularly interested in Direct Entry ( they have a
copy of the Victorian discussion paper Reforming Midwifery) and asked me
several questions about lay midwives, consumers, the ACMI accreditation
process and the role of the College generally.
It was fairly clear that the Senators are looking for a Model of Maternity
care which is cost effective and crosses practice environments ( including
homebirth). The leadership of Midwives across the practice spectrum was
acknowledged. In fact, they asked me several questions about care options
and were particularly interested in the position of the midwife in the
private sector... including Visiting Rights for midwives to private
hospitals. Public Hospital Visiting Rights were repeatedly referred to, as
was public funding for midwifery care.
One down side... the Senators had obviously heard a lot about horizontal
violence, particularly within midwifery as practice crosses the
home/hospital interface, and also between (??amongst) midwifery academics
and clinicians. I was surprised this took such a focus. Perhaps I should
not have been. Clearly, if we are to get anywhere at all with all this,
then HV must be eradicated from our vocabulary and our behaviour. But then,
we all know that. I hope that the Senators now know that as well, because
there was a tremendous feeling of unity in the room where we were today,
with midwives and women ( and children) supporting each other in common
purpose.
The whole experience ( whilst a bit nerve wracking) was exhilerating and
most enlightening.
My sincere gratitude to those who went to the Inquiry before me for posting
their experiences on the list. This really helped me to be very well
prepared and keep focused on the issues whilst there. Without this
assistance, I am certain I would have waivered from the point and raved on.
No room for that in such a forum.
If any one is yet to appear, then I wish you well. I reinforce the advice
of others... go well prepared, and be ready to listen carefully,learn, and
enjoy it. I did.
Thanks also to Carol, Pat and others for expressions of support for the new
ACMI National Executive. This is much appreciated and will turn the onerous
workload into a series of rewarding achievements.
Bit like midwifery and motherhood really!!
Warm regards,
Trish.
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