Pregnant women signing ‘waivers’ to avoid red tape fears

Pregnant women in Gladstone are so fearful of roadside birth they are signing ‘waivers’ so they can have their babies in the local maternity unit, which remains on bypass due to understaffing

GLADSTONE women are so fearful of a roadside birth they will refuse medical recommendations and sign a hospital declaration to have their babies in their hometown maternity unit which remains on bypass due to understaffing.

Maternity consumer advocates in the Central Queensland area report that women are making plans to take a stand at Gladstone hospital when they present in labour by refusing to be transported to Rockhampton Base Hospital.

They can sign a form saying that they have declined the recommended maternity care.

“Many mothers have contacted me via the Facebook page to share their concerns over the paperwork that must be signed if they do not want to be transferred to Rockhampton. For some mothers who labour quickly, having to waste time with red tape paperwork seems so unfair,” Jemma Manwaring who runs the Save Gladstone Maternity Ward group said.

“Mothers have shared with me that they feel safer birthing in Gladstone, which may be understaffed, rather than being transferred to Rockhampton. The women are calling the form “a waiver”, she said.

But Queensland Health insist the form is not a waiver.

Deputy Director-General Clinical Excellence Queensland Helen Brown said that the document is a care plan form and does not mean the hospital is waived of liability.

“Our health practitioners will always recommend the most appropriate and safe maternity care.

A woman always has the right to decline recommended maternity care. The care plan form, ensures the consumer is fully informed, and clinicians understand why the decision to decline recommended maternity care is being made. The patient is responsible for making decisions about their maternity care and for the consequences of those decisions,” she said.

Australian Medical Association Queensland President Maria Boulton said that it was very unfair that any woman would have to make the decision to either have a baby in an understaffed unit or travel on the highway to Rockhampton.

“Things can go wrong very fast and a team of medics should be available,” she said.

Emma McCahon, Chief Executive, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service said that Gladstone Hospital deals with lower risk pregnancies.

“Those with a higher risk are always referred to Rockhampton which has more specialised support, or to a tertiary hospital for those with the highest risk,” she said.

Liam and Elza McGrath with their children Nathan, Clare and Jeremy. Photo: Criss Cross Media

Mum of three Elza McGrath told The Courier-Mail that when she was told that she could sign a document refusing to travel to Rockhampton she felt it may be the best option for baby number four.

“My third baby came very fast so I don’t think I would make it to Rocky. The choices facing me aren’t good but I am trusting I know my own body and staying in my hometown is probably the best option,” she said.