Dear FBC Members,

I am writing to you to make you aware of some recent changes regarding access to the RBWH Birth Centre.  At the beginning of May it was confirmed to FBC that only women living within the RBWH catchment area will be eligible for Birth Centre care.

The catchment area is defined as the area north of the Brisbane River to the North Pine River and as far west as Bellbowrie.

RBWH cite overspending and budgetary cuts as the reasoning behind the implementation of enforcing geographical boundaries.  Information provided to FBC states that the number of places available to women at the Birth Centre will not change.  If the number of places available will remain the same, FBC struggles to understand how excluding south side women will alleviate the budget overspending.  FBC oppose this change as it places further restrictions on publicly funded birth options for Brisbane women.

Previously all women could seek to be included in the Birth Centre ballot regardless of location.  Women who have already sent in referrals but were not 16 weeks by early May have now been excluded are are having to find alternative maternity care.  There is no Birth Centre located on the south side of Brisbane, or even a facility that offers birth centre style care, there is no maternity facility that allows water immersion for labour and birth on the south side of Brisbane.  South side women have had their choices in birth restricted by the RBWH.  All women should be eligible to access a publicly funded continuity of care model that promotes natural childbirth.  The RBWH Birth Centre provides this and is the only Brisbane based service to allow water immersion for labour and birth.

We need to have our voices heard regarding this issue.  Here are some ways you can help:

* Write and email a letter voicing your concern to your local MP, you can use this template.

* To find out who your local member is, click on: https://oevf.aec.gov.au/

* Contact details for MP's can be found here: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/members.asp?area=members&LIndex=1&Subarea=members

* Write and email a letter voicing your concerns to:

Hon Geoff Wilson, Minister for Health
P O Box 48
BRISBANE  QLD 4001
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* Please email us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with a copy of your letter.  We will collate them to present to RBWH

* If you are prepared to be interviewed, please email your contact details to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it We will be contacting local media very soon to make them aware of the developing situation.

* There will be an on-line petition, watch this space or join our Facebook page for details: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Friends-of-the-Birth-Centre-Qld/159031067489970

* Share this email with your friends and family and ask them to do the same!

 

Cheers

Catherine Farrugia
FBC Qld President
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