Archived Media Releases: 10 September 2008

Maternity services review welcome - ANF

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) today welcomed the opportunity to have input into the Federal Government’s review of maternity services in Australia, saying the time had definitely come to look at how best to improve access to comprehensive maternity services for all Australians.

Ged Kearney, ANF Federal Secretary, said midwives deliver comprehensive and professional care during all stages of maternity services, including ante-natal and post-natal care, and women and families throughout Australia would benefit from a midwifery lead model of care.

“Midwives are recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the health professionals best able to deliver safe, cost effective maternity services to most women”, Ms Kearney said.

“The ANF looks forward to contributing to the review and we will continue to talk with our members about their experiences as midwives and the changes that they say will bring greater access to quality care for mothers and families.”

The ANF will make a submission to the review supporting any changes that give women greater access to midwife lead services.

“Midwives contribute significantly to maternity care delivered to families in Australia. It is important that mothers and babies can access this care, particularly in rural and remote areas. This could be achieved if they were better able to access the services of midwives through a well funded model.”

Media Contacts
Ged Kearney, Federal Secretary 0417 053 322
Lee Thomas, Assistant Federal Secretary, 0419 576 590
Libby Muir, Communications Officer, 0413 834 979

The ANF, with 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.