I posted this thread on the Midwiferyworld forum and am really interested to see if the views of students and prospective students and lay people are the same or different from qualified midwives'.
Independent midwives are forced to practice midwifery without the benefit of liability insurance and in the event of a mistake or negligence then the woman is forced to sue him/her privately. Any compensation for harm caused is then dependent on the available assets of the midwife.
How do you feel about this?

[smwife]

I do feel it is wrong that independants cannot get insurance, how sad for them and for the women

[Butterfly]

Independent midwives cannot get insurance AT ALL?!
is this if they're practising on their own or if they're in a practice together or both?
I think it's awful- they're providing a better service than the NHS ever will, no wonder more people don't do it!!

[KarrierBag]

Originally Posted by ksilk they're providing a better service than the NHS ever will, no wonder more people don't do it!!

I disagree with that comment, the NHS does what it can and yes, we'd all like to see improvements but to say that IM's do a better job than hospital midwives is a bit of a harsh statement! I respect your opinion though and we're all entitled to our own views.

I am a bit vague on the IM subject tbh but I assume that IMs are IMs because they choose to be so if they have to practice without insurance then they know the risks associated with it; litigation etc... I think that IMs are wonderful people, they provide one-to-one care without the safety net of hospital back-up and if things go wrong then they are on their own, dealing with it - I assume they can transfer women into hospital though, yes?

The lack of insurance is disappointing as we may see some fantastic IMs feeling 'forced' back into NHS practice because of it... It's a shame - but that's the world we live in today unfortunately - people are all too eager to complain and sue. Obviously, if the outcome results in a situation where the family need compensation, eg; medical costs etc... then I'm all for it but some people will sue for anything these days...

Probably havent replied very clearly and have probably missed the point completely! Sorry!!

xx

[Butterfly]

The NHS do provide a good service- with the resources that they have- i have seen first hand how midwives simply do their best but it's not always woman centred or ideal care. Thats not to say that they don't do the best they can. I just think independent midwives provide a better service because they have smaller caseloads. Doesn't mean to say that they are 'better' midwives, that they are perfect, or as a slate to the NHS though!!! xxxx

[KarrierBag]

Ok, sorry if I misinterpreted you but that's how it came across to me! Lol.

xx

[Butterfly]

haha its ok- probably my incoherent typing lol!!! xxxx

[tea2sugars]

I know what you mean ksilk, an IM can stay with a woman for as long as it takes giving one-to-one attention. A luxury not afforded to NHS midwives (yet! - according to maternity matters - we'll see!), but one I'm sure they would dearly love. I think it is outrageous that IM's cannot get insurance - after all, I'm sure that the chances of needing it are fairly remote anyway? The IM's in my area tend to notify delivery suite when they are attending a birth and transfer in when necessary if probs arise.

[ollybolly]

If an IM explained the position clearly and the woman still chose to accept her care, then that is between them. My problem is though that we have all seen how the most normal of low risk births can go wrong, and the potential for litigation be there. So will an IM go through every possible scenario or problem with their woman? Would be interested to hear how IM's approach this with their women.
I think their is a place for IM in this country and it is a shame that they are forced into such a position. Personally, i wouldn't be able to practice knowing this. JMO!