REPORT BACK ON NZCOM MEETING 11TH JUNE 07
Agenda:
13 midwives present (including1 student midwife)
The meeting was chaired by Adrienne Dunlop And Judith McAra Couper representing NZCOM.
The aim of the meeting was to assess the three most burning issues min midwives and present them to the NZCOM Committee for resolution.
A group of ten midwives formed three syndicates to discuss a questionnaire relating to midwifery issues. The questionnaire has been used to define issues at other like meetings throughout New Zealand.
( A) Partnership Model in the 21st Century
2. In what ways might the partnership model be improved? Consensus: ‐ Education. Communication from facility eg. Feedback from referrals More postnatal beds at base hospital More core midwives Women’s choice taken into consideration (eg ‐ if would have liked to stay in hospital of choice but prevented because of bed situation)
(B) The sustainability of the midwifery model according to Section 88
1. What are the advantages at the present model? Consensus: Autonomy for midwives 2. Name any current expectations that you think are not reasonable norfeasible.Consensus: ‐Incapacity of facility to accommodate in all respects (antenatal,labour/delivery, and postnatal) Equipment needed for care is often either missing or not workingNeeding the meet women with antenatal problems at 24‐37/40when they will be under secondary care when they reach hospitalWomen’ expectations / choices not always feasible (eg. length ofpostnatal stay)
3. What would you suggest that might make the midwifery model more sustainable?
Consensus: Recognition of Core staff More flexibility in hours Job sharing Pay increases
Education
(C) Specific professional and practice issues (eg. Isolation in practice; how midwives relate with each other, communication between midwives
1. What are the main professional and practice issues you think women face in 2007?
Consensus: