Midwives working across maternity services at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) in Camperdown held a snap own-time rally today to highlight their grave concerns over planned staffing cuts.
Following a review of the major tertiary hospital’s midwifery staffing profile, up to 15 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions were to be deleted at the Women and Babies service from today, while a further five midwives were to be cut from the Midwifery Group Practice which offers continuity of care to Inner West mothers.
Nine beds within the postnatal ward were also slated for closure as part of the sweeping changes outlined by Sydney Local Health District.
Despite efforts by members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) RPAH Branch to escalate their concerns with management almost twelve months ago, the Local Health District had confirmed the changes would take effect from 1 July.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said experienced midwives working at the hospital, and those within the midwifery-led service, both hold serious concerns about the delivery of care to local families.
“In last week’s budget, the NSW government confirmed more than $83 million to boost maternity care across the state, including 53 additional midwives, yet this week we have one of Sydney’s largest hospitals decreasing positions,” said Ms Candish.
“The Local Health District also admitted it has had rolling recruitment advertisements for a number of vacant midwifery positions in both these services, despite these planned job cuts.
“We have been calling on the Ministry of Health for years to conduct a thorough review of the Birthrate Plus staffing model to ensure it is fit for purpose and is delivering the best possible midwifery care to women and their babies.”
NSWNMA RPAH branch members who work in the Women and Babies service and Midwifery Group Practice braved the wet weather to raise community awareness about the local staffing cuts this morning.
