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Caroline Conroy,
Co-leader:
Whereas we acknowledge recruiting
midwives from overseas will assist in alleviating the
immediate shortage we are facing, there is a world-wide
shortage of midwives because of a lack of support and
investment of this critical health profession. Aotearoa New
Zealand is no different and things must change.
New
Zealand has to ensure that incoming midwives have a positive
experience if we are to retain them. We know retention is
already a significant issue here amongst our own New Zealand
trained midwives so whilst we might be able to recruit some
midwives from overseas, keeping them is key.
In fact,
MERAS is aware that for several overseas midwives, the
experience they have had already, has not been positive, and
some regret moving here. That must stop
happening.
Investment in growing our own midwives will
be the best way to ensure that in the longer term the
midwifery profession better reflects the communities of New
Zealand, particularly with increased numbers of Māori and
Pasifika
midwives.
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