NEWS RELEASE - Tuesday May 4 2004

INTERNATIONAL MIDWIVES DAY, MAY 5TH 2004

SAFE, AFFORDABLE & SUSTAINABLE MATERNITY CARE DEPENDS ON BARRIERS BEING LIFTED

On Wednesday 5 May, midwives around the world celebrate the 'International Day of the Midwife'. Midwives across Australia celebrate their profession and the crucial work they do in partnership with women, providing care, information and support throughout pregnancy, labour and the early weeks following childbirth.

President of the NSW Midwives Association, Pat Brodie warns that the safety of women could be compromised in future years if Health Minister, Morris Iemma does not act immediately to allow more midwifery places in NSW universities"

"Since 16th September 2003 when the new legislation passed through the Upper House of the NSW Parliament, we have been waiting for the commencement of the new Nurses and Midwives Act" said Ms Brodie. The new legislation will enable the introduction of the three-year Bachelor of Midwifery (BMid) in this state, which is heralded as a key strategy in relieving the workforce shortages across NSW. (It is estimated that NSW has a shortfall of 500 midwives.)

The B Mid is a very popular course. In Victoria and South Australia (where it has operated for 3 years) approximately ten women have been applying for every place in the course. "For two years, the introduction of the BMid in NSW (through the University of Technology, Sydney) has been delayed. If the legislation is not processed soon, several hundred potential candidates on a waiting list will have to wait another year before they can start their midwifery education," said Ms Brodie.

"We call upon the NSW Minister for Health Morris Iemma, the Minister responsible for the administration of health legislation in NSW to make immediate steps to ensure that midwives can get on with the job of fixing the workforce problems in this state" said Ms Brodie.

"It is a matter of urgency that the changes in legislation are enacted as soon as possible. There are already large numbers of women who cannot access basic midwifery care and support because of the shortages of midwives" said Justine Caines, National President of Maternity Coalition.

Women in NSW are being denied choice in maternity care, women in regional and rural NSW have to travel long distances to receive care, this is not safe or acceptable. With more midwives, clinics could be established in these areas and care would be enhanced." Said Ms Caines

Media Contacts: 
NSW Midwives Association: Pat Brodie: 0404 468 224 
Maternity Coalition NSW Branch: Justine Caines 0408 210 273

P.O. Box 1190
Blackburn North,
Victoria 3130
Australia