Page 3061 - Week 07 - Thursday, 30 June 2011
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The government has often talked about the benefits of not sending ACT prisoners to New South Wales and this should also be the case for people with a severe mental illness. The government’s commitment to building a secure mental health unit is an issue that the Greens are extremely concerned about and will continue to lobby on.
With regards to elective surgery, this is a much-discussed topic. The Greens support the extra funds dedicated to this area. However, we do not want to lose sight of some aspects which impact this area. For example, a shared waiting list is needed between medical practitioners to assist patients being treated in a timely manner. It is important that both private and salaried doctors at the Canberra Hospital take ownership of the policy so that there is cooperation between all parties and at all levels.
On the issue of birthing, the Greens believe the government should be applying a far greater level of accountability between private obstetrics and private midwifery and question why the government is not promoting Medicare rebates now available for private midwives. Unfortunately, the outcomes for women choosing acute care are not subject to the same level of scrutiny as those choosing midwifery. The Greens have a longstanding commitment to safe, sustainable maternity care and, through that, increased access to midwifery care.
The estimates committee recommended that the ACT government consider the inclusion of a birthing centre in the development of the new acute hospital or at the new subacute facility. This is something that has also been recommended by the Health Care Consumers Association. The government in its response to the estimates report has said that a midwifery model of care can only be located with an acute facility. The statement by the government is not evidenced-based and it is behind New South Wales policy in particular. (Second speaking period taken.)
It contradicts the federal maternity services review and denies ACT women a model of care that is supported by the World Health Organisation. There is no evidence to suggest that a midwifery service must be co-located with a service that provides anaesthetic and obstetric services. The majority of women do not require specialist care. While we need a system that enables the care to be accessed sufficiently when required, including the majority of women in acute facilities when they are healthy does not maximise safety. The Greens are concerned that this response is out of step with contemporary practice.
The Ryde Midwifery Group Practice operates as a stand-alone service in metropolitan Sydney. The outcomes of Ryde midwifery practice have exceeded those of acute setting and that service received a risk management award from the New South Wales Treasury-managed fund, the government’s own insurer. I would urge the minister to seek advice that reflects the experience of other jurisdictions, research evidence and the needs of woman.
I raise another point on birthing. Through this budget the government has appropriated $7 million in new funds to obstetrics and midwifery for the women’s and children’s hospital but is not making use of federal funding being granted through
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