Select Committee Endorse Maternity Status Quo

Media Release 18 October 2010

Health Select Committee Recommendations Strongly Endorse Maternity Status Quo

It is clear that New Zealand women and their babies are in good hands.

That today from the NZ College of Midwives who support the principles behind committee’s recommendations, 95% of which are already in place or currently being developed.

The committee has made clear in its report that it endorses the current midwifery led maternity system by encouraging key providers to “continue to develop a collaborative, non fragmented model of maternity care.”

NZCOM CEO Karen Guilliland says, “The College strongly agrees that this collaboration in the provision of maternity services, further encourages a model of maternity care that serves mothers and babies well. The key relationships that health professionals in the maternity sector establish, are essential to maintaining our world class maternity system for New Zealand women and the more than 62000 babies born each year,” she says.

Karen Guilliland is pleased at the number of recommendations related to the report, that should result in better support and services for New Zealand women and their families who experience an unexpected outcome or death of their baby.

The College has for many years advocated for ongoing support, such as home support and / or grief counselling, for families who suffer these tragedies.

“For too long this has not been addressed adequately,” says Karen Guilliland. “We have also strongly advocated ongoing support for any medical requirements needed by families following an adverse outcome during pregnancy, birth or labour.”

The College CEO says says all other areas addressed in the recommendations are either currently in place or are in the process of being adopted. This includes the Midwifery Standards Review (annual review of midwifery standards required in order to retain a practicing certificate – has been compulsory since 2004), and the Midwifery First Year in Practice programmes in place since 2007.

“The College would welcome the long term Ministry of Health commitment and funding of these programmes, which provide the mentorship, support and leadership for midwifery graduates,” she says.

ENDS

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