Barbara Stewart MP
Spokesperson for Health
04 September 2012

Midwife Selection Has Become a Risky Game of Lucky Dip

New Zealand First says the Government is placing lives at risk by failing to implement basic safety reporting standards for midwives.

Health spokesperson Barbara Stewart has made repeated requests for the Government to make public the results of serious complaints or inquiries into midwives’ performance.

“I am shocked that the midwife who made a series of mistakes contributing to the death of Adam Barlow is still practising with no conditions or supervision, despite an on-going investigation by the Health and Disability Commissioner.”

Mrs Stewart is concerned a midwife can simply change her surname which may make an expectant mother not realise she was being treated by someone who failed to recognise emergency signs which contributed to a baby’s death.

“What should be an exciting process is being turned into a lucky dip where the family who picks the short straw may pay the ultimate price with their baby’s life.

“Expectant parents have a right to know the background of their prospective midwife. They shouldn’t have to ask and presume the midwife will own up to previous errors,” says Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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