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Mr MIKE BAIRD (Manly) [4.44 p.m.]: I will speak about Manly Hospital. However, before I do, I remind members that I recently spoke of an unborn child who was due to come into this world with a high risk that she would survive no more than an hour or two. Her name is Zoe. She has been in this world for eight days. Last night I had the joy of being able to hold her. To hold someone who should not be here is a miracle in itself. I pay tribute to Zoe and her parents, who continue to fight with her.
I am very glad that the Minister for Health is in the Chamber to hear what I have to say about Manly Hospital. In my inaugural speech I spoke about the need for the Government to make it easier for those going about their jobs from day to day. We are here for support. The Manly midwives have a long tradition of helping those in need. In my inaugural speech I made clear reference to two midwives who helped not only to deliver our first child, Laura, and our second child, Kate, but also to save the life of my wife, who suffered a particular complication that put it in jeopardy. They deserve our support. The Government is not giving Manly midwives the support they deserve. No new money was allocated in the recent State budget for Manly Hospital. The staff at Manly Hospital continues to operate in conditions that are beyond belief. I have a letter from a person who worked at both Manly and Royal North Shore hospitals, which I will read on to the record:
For in excess of fifteen years Manly Maternity services have sat under a cloud, this cloud has changed formats on many occasions but a constant cloud it remains. From closing the unit to moving services up the peninsular changing styles you name it from every angle Area management have tried unsuccessfully to derail this fantastic service. Throughout the years the staff have rallied and triumphed over these issues. Staff commitment and community support have never waived nor has the quality of Midwifery care.
Now as we waited the interminable wait for our new Northern Beaches Hospital, the Maternity Unit it self as well as allied services is being allowed to deteriorate due to lack of funding and care by management. The building is old and thus needs constant help the staff have never asked for a flash new facility just keep it well painted and maintained, [not an unreasonable request in a hospital] the other evening when I worked there was no hot water for the women to use in labour—
I hope the Minister for Health hears this. For most of the weekend women were in labour and giving birth without access to hot water—
(baths and showers provide great pain relief in labour and a lot cheaper and less risky than an epidural).
Equipment at Manly in the birthing Unit is second class compared to a unit like RNSH an example the infant resusitaires are 30 years old the only new one is in the nursery every delivery room has one at RNSH has one plus. Food is another issue after having a baby women are incredibly hungry not just immediately following the birth but breastfeeding requires food, good quality and amounts on a regular basis at all hours of the day and night. The women receive food in disposable containers with plastic cutlery of I am sure a lesser quality and quantity than they would receive if they were in our states prisons and if they don't it straight away it is taken away with very little else on offer other than maybe a piece of toast a sandwich if your really lucky
Why are women who have their baby's at Manly hospital treated like second class citizens to the women at RNSH (and many other Hospitals) why are staff being punished for providing high quality care by having to practise their profession and maintain high professional standards in sub standard conditions?
We are not asking for much. We are asking for the maintenance of the Manly maternity unit in a condition that reflects the excellent service the midwives provide. I ask the Minister for Health to join me at Manly Hospital to look in detail at every part of the Manly maternity unit and also to have a meal with me. I would like to share one of those Manly Hospital meals with her so that she can understand the issues that are being raised. The person who provided the letter is not political, but someone who is passionate about the two hospitals in which she has worked. She wants the best not for herself, but for the people she is trying to serve. Our role and the role of government is to support and facilitate services that day in and day out, in this case, the midwives provide. I challenge the Minister for Health to join me at Manly Hospital to observe first-hand the facilities, to see if she can prioritise investment in Manly maternity ward and, at the same time, to share a meal so that she can see what is being offered each day.
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