9 April 2008
Shanks dramatises midwife figures
Katrina Shanks is attempting to panic parents-to-be with her use of midwife figures, Associate Health Minister Steve
Chadwick said.
Steve Chadwick was responding to Ms Shanks’ claims of a midwifery workforce crisis.
“Ms Shanks is unnecessarily generating anxiety amongst expectant parents – this is reckless and alarmist.
“While we are facing challenges within the midwife workforce, no DHBs have reported being unable to meet demand. As a
former midwife and health manager, I am satisfied that we understand the complexity of the issues, we are taking action
and looking at long-term solutions.
“We know that this workforce is fluid in nature, because many midwives choose part-time work which can lead to short
term pressures in different areas at different times.
“The government is implementing long-term, national solutions, while DHBs work to address local pressures – Counties
Manukau DHB’s use of GPs is a good example of this.
“Our workforce includes a significant proportion of overseas trained midwives – in part because our Lead Maternity Carer
(LMC) model is world-leading – however this is only one piece of the puzzle in addressing the shortage. We have a range
of initiatives to address the issue over the long term.”
The Labour-led government initiatives include:
- the establishment of the Maternity Services Strategic Advisory Group, which will report back to the Minister in about
six months with a strategic plan for maternity services;
- funding for midwives increased by around $11.4 million annually from July 2007;
- the Ministry of Health has introduced a one-year mentoring pilot support programme for new graduate midwives (worth
$4.7 million over two years) – early indications are that this is helping to retain new graduates
- the Ministry funds the New Zealand College of Midwives to run a rural locum register – putting available midwives in
touch with regions that need them
- the Tertiary Education Commission is undertaking a review of midwifery training needs, and
- the Minister has asked the Ministry to report to her on funding for ongoing professional development, similar to what
doctors already receive.
ENDS