International Midwives’ Day
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today used International Midwives’ Day to congratulate 55,000 midwives across the country for the vital role they play in Australia’s healthcare system.
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5 May 2008
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today used International Midwives’ Day to congratulate the 55,000 midwives across the country for the vital role they play in Australia’s healthcare system.
Over 2% of child births in Australia are led by midwives in a birthing center or in the home, with many more in Australian hospitals.
The World Health Organization recognises midwives as the health professionals best able to deliver safe, cost effective maternity services to the majority of families.
To recognise the important role midwives play in our community, the Rudd Government has established a Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer (CNMO) within the Department of Health and Ageing to advise the Government on all issues relating to nurses and midwives.
The CNMO will be a strong voice within government on all issues relating to Australia's large nursing and midwives workforce.
The Rudd Government is also committed to reviewing the Medicare Schedule to consider including midwives for the role they play in the provision of maternity care and to facilitate the expansion of midwife-led care.
And midwives will be at the centre of assisting the Government with our plans to develop a national maternity services plan to ensure national coordination of maternal services.
Midwives often play a role in the quality care offered to mothers and newborns during and immediately after child birth and during the ante and post natal care phase. The Rudd Government values the role midwives play in giving children the best start in life and congratulates them on their role in Australia’s healthcare system.
Media inquiries only: Mark Ward - 0437 125 938
For all other inquiries please contact the Minister's office - 02 6277 7220
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