Hi Abby, We health professionals really need to be challenged to see these situations from our client's points of view. I don't know if it would get published, but even an anonymous open letter to health professionals in a professional journal may get the message out there, that we need to understand the consequences of our actions from not just an immediate clinical point of view, but also from the longer term consequences approach. These are hidden from health professionals in acute care settings, and I think we often just don't get it. I am sorry that you had that experience, and apologise to you on behalf of my health care professional colleagues. It is not good enough. Kind regards, Nicole Carver, Midwife.
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 12:41 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: Re: [ozmidwifery] Northern Rivers Hi Justine and everyone, I know I should complain, I tell all my clients to complain when things have been terrible. Until recently I found it very difficult to even think about what happened. I have had the forms to get my records for ages but am a little scared to read through them. I would like to know what the Ob had to say for himself. It is really hard to get anywhere with the HCCC from my experience. My sister had a terrible experience just over 18months ago, some may recall me posting, and she put in a complaint right away and pretty much she was told "too bad, so sad". She is now claiming for damages and charging the hospital with some kind of entrapment, though it is all through a private lawyer and costing them heaps. All she really wants is an apology and some one to say they were wrong. A friend of mine was at a workshop on working with women that had been sexually abused. There was counsellors, nurses, psychologists, social workers etc etc there. She bought up the topic of sexual abuse during birth and most of them laughed saying that was impossible because it is what doctors and midwives need to do. Even the facilitator thought she was overreacting when she commented that for a lot of women the first time they are violated sexually is while they are birthing. I personally cannot see how it is any different just because it is a doctor or midwife. I will think more about pursuing the HCCC, but when I have mentioned it to my early childhood nurse ( just after it happened), my private Ob, the mental health team and my counsellor they all sort of dismissed it because the nurse and the Ob were 'professionals' just doing their job. Love Abby > Can I suggest that unless women like you make complaints to the HCCC > that > these practices will remain and more women will feel violated from > obstetric > practice. > -- 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.