Hi, I'm an independent midwife working in South London and loving every minute...it
is - for me - the only way to practice, having tried the NHS route and failing dismally.
I salute everyone who is able to work within the system but my decision to work
outside it doesn't mean I am not a supporter of the fundamental tenet of the NHS ie
free at the point of delivery.
To this end I am working, along with other IM's, towards persuading the Dep't of
health to consider the proposal we have put together as another alternative for
women and midwives...basically working as a self-emplyed midwife, alone, in
partnerships or in small practices and contracting into the NHS on a set fee per case
basis.
We have met with the minister for mat services, Stephen Ladyman and hope to
present the model to a working party looking at recruitment and retention issues.
One of the Ministers' concerns was that not enough midwives would want to work in
this way so we have put together a short on-line survey on our website, where you
can also access the model. An important point is that the model sits alongside
current provision, ie nothing has to be dismantled and it can grow up from a
'grassroots' start.
Please have a look if you can and fill in the survey. Also tell everyone you know to
do the same, there is also a version for the public. The website address is:
www.independentmidwives.org.uk
I would be very pleased to hear any thoughts, comments etc
regards
Annie Francis
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