The New South Wales Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) claim that the shortage of midwives means that new mothers are not receiving an appropriate level of care and are being discharged within two days of giving birth. NSWNMA is the registered union for all nurses and midwives in New South Wales, it represents the interests of nurses and midwives employed in NSW in the public, private, aged care and disability sectors. According to the NSWNMA midwives are stretched to the limit managing post-natal care, including home visits for new mothers, as well as supervising students. It is alleged that some hospitals are facing midwife shortages of 25 percent.
One hospital’s story
Wollongong Hospital, in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District south of Sydney, has been identified as one of the hospitals in greatest need of midwives. For the past six months nurses and midwives, and parent’s groups have been campaigning for more staff. The District is actively looking for registered nurses with midwifery and for nurses with post anaesthetic care experience to care for new mothers who had their babies delivered by caesarean section.
Over 2500 babies were born at Wollongong Hospital in 2017. A shortage of midwives means that only one-third of expectant mothers are able to access the Midwifery Group Practice. The midwifery-led maternity care model provides support to women throughout their pregnancy but workforce shortages means that Wollongong Hospital is struggling to meet demand.
Wollongong Hospital staff also state that the shortage of midwives, plus other issues, has resulted in an increased number of readmissions and clinical incidents in the maternity unit.
Are you a qualified nurse or midwife seeking employment within Australia? HealthStaff Recruitment currently has a variety of positions available for nurses and midwives throughout New South Wales, including Sydney. Midwives are in demand to work in maternity services, obstetric units, perinatal services, and mother and baby units.