Page 983 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 28 March 1990
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I can also make reference to the midcall program which has improved choice for parents in the ACT. It was introduced in Woden Valley and Royal Canberra Hospitals late last year. It gives mothers a successful physical and emotional recovery from the stress of pregnancy and labour. That occurs by allowing women to go home early to spend the early period of their postnatal care in their own homes. I was pleased to congratulate the one-hundredth participant in the midcall program a few months ago. I think it has been completely successful. A key element is to encourage the mother-child relationship and promote parenting skills which helps the mother to undertake the care of the infant confidently in the family environment. As I said, more than 100 mothers have already experienced the benefits of this program.
Public antenatal services in Canberra are less than adequate in the Government's view and we will be taking steps in consultation with obstetricians and gynaecologists and other health professionals to improve the availability of these services, particularly to disadvantaged groups. Nothing that the Government has announced so far will prejudice that particular line of attack.
I see Mr Berry made reference to having the Government's thunder stolen. It seems to me that the reality is that the Opposition's thunder has been stolen by the courageous decision announced yesterday by the Government.
I think that the amendment I have moved acknowledges two very important things. The first is that the redevelopment of Canberra's public hospitals by increasing the number of public beds available in the ACT will provide an increasing range of birthing options for women in the ACT. The second is that it commends the Government's redevelopment plans with respect to the establishment of birthing centre facilities in Canberra.
How those statements can be said to be inaccurate is beyond me. Why those statements would not be supported by the Opposition would also be beyond me. I certainly hope that Mr Moore, in particular, who I am sure supports these ideas, will support the amendment being put forward by the Government. I move:
At the end of the motion, add the words: "This Assembly notes that the Alliance Government will, through the redevelopment of Canberra's public hospitals, provide an increasing range of birthing options for women in the ACT. This Assembly commends the Government's redevelopment plans and, in particular, its decision to establish birthing centre facilities in Canberra.".
MR MOORE (11.01): I rise to speak on birthing centres because I think that this topic has been of great interest to the people of Canberra, particularly to people involved
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