The NSW Government has failed to recognise the urgency of the midwifery workforce crisis, after releasing its response to the recommendations of the state’s first Birth Trauma Inquiry.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) welcomed the state government’s support of 42 of the 43 recommendations but was disappointed by the lack of immediate and proactive measures to improve workforce challenges and maternity care.
NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, and midwife, Michael Whaites, said the state government needed to focus on fixing the midwifery staffing crisis.
“Midwives strive to deliver the best possible care to women and babies in a system that has been chronically understaffed, under-resourced and neglected for far too long. This cannot continue any longer,” said Mr Whaites.
“The government must recognise poor pay and conditions are driving the severe staffing shortages and as a result, there’s an inability for midwives to intervene.
“The government is refusing to acknowledge the pivotal role of midwives and the centrality of midwives to the solutions. There needs to be significant investment into the midwifery workforce, because if the government doesn’t act to address these staffing shortages, the ambition of the Maternity Care Blueprint will not be recognised.
“We need to see competitive rates of pay and a staffing model with the appropriate skill-mix. We continue to advocate for safe staffing ratios in maternity with one midwife to every three women in postnatal wards.
“It’s pleasing to see the government recognises the importance of midwifery-led continuity of care models and is committed to increasing access to these care models, as well as improving support for women with postnatal debriefings.
“It’s evident that the government cannot sit on its hands any longer. It must urgently act to stem the loss of midwives, if it is serious about improving maternity care for women and babies in this state.”
