ANF: Let nurses give consumers more choice
Published: 15 December 2009
The Australian Nursing Federation’s submission to the Health Legislation Amendment Bill rejects outright any requirement which forces nurse practitioners and midwives to seek doctor approval for patient care they are capable of doing autonomously.
ANF Federal Secretary Ged Kearney said it was time doctors stopped trying to have it both ways.
“On the one hand you have doctors saying they are over-stretched and on the other hand they refuse to share healthcare with capable nurse practitioners and eligible midwives. This is an attempt to keep all rebates in doctors’ pockets. This is greedy and limits patient access to healthcare,” she said.
“Nurse practitioners and eligible midwives need to be allowed to work collaboratively with the appropriate health professionals and not be forced to seek approval from doctors in order to provide care.
“Consumers have made it clear that they want choice and improved access. Nurse practitioners are capable of providing a wide variety of healthcare which can help people not only avoid emergency departments but also maintain better health.”
“And Australia women have also made it clear that they want to be able to have the services of a midwife should they choose to do so.
“Why should the community be forced to wait for doctors who are completely overloaded when a highly qualified nurse or midwife is available to provide that care?”
“This amendment will increase the red tape and reduce the aim of the legislation by limiting consumer choice. Nurse practitioners and midwives are vital to the improvement of healthcare in Australia.”
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