For Immediate Release 28 February 2011
Canterbury Has Enough Midwives
The following comments can be attributed to Karen Guilliland, New Zealand College of Midwives CEO:
Despite earlier reports calling for midwives to head to Christchurch, we want to assure everyone that there are enough
midwives in Canterbury working with women and their families.
Midwives throughout the country (and internationally) are rallying to help women who are leaving Christchurch to have
their babies. Their midwifery colleagues who are left behind with no income, no homes and are away from family are also
offering support and expertise.
The NZ College of Midwives national office staff have met today after several days of close liaison with midwives, DHB’s
and the health sector in general. All NZCOM staff and their families have been accounted for.
The College’s head office in Manchester Street in Edgeware, on the edge of the four avenues cordon, is closed and off
limits to all staff and visitors – it has at this stage been deemed unsafe.
The latest information for women who need a midwife in another city outside Christchurch, is that midwives are being
rallied to be there to provide that support. We are advising pregnant women to contact their nearest maternity unit in
the area they relocate to, to find this information. NZCOM regional chairs are co-ordinating their own areas and
contacting midwives and their local DHB to make this easier for women.
To reiterate, women are entitled to LMC (Lead Maternity Care) midwifery services for themselves and their newborn for up
to 6 weeks, regardless of where they are staying.
It is very humbling to know that midwives taking over the caseloads of Christchurch midwives are donating half their
payment / income to the original LMC in the quake damaged city.
It’s a huge boost to the morale of all of us to see the generosity of this wonderful profession of which I feel so proud
to be a member. Women and babies are our focus and our first priority as is the case with all health workers and others
at this time of emergency and tragedy.
ENDS