CONFERENCE
Covid-19: the ripple effect As this issue of Midwife goes to print, we find ourselves back in alert level 4 lockdown, with parts of the country expected to move down to alert level 3 over the coming week. Once again, we are in a position of uncertainty, bound by constraints, which - whilst enforced for our own protection and wellbeing - have undoubtedly added pressure to our work and home lives. We are all making concessions over this time,
level 4 lockdown, the venue would not be
ultimately, the decision was made in a bid to
to varying degrees, on both personal and
completed in time for the conference.
keep each other and our whānau safe.
professional levels, and are at the mercy of Covid-19. For our LMC workforce, this means
• The ongoing uncertainty around alert levels,
All those who registered will receive a full
particularly for Auckland midwives, who
refund and details regarding this should have
conducting clinics over the phone and in
have been carrying a significant burden of
been communicated by the time this issue of
driveways, reassuring women whose maternity
lockdown restrictions, means we may not
Midwife arrives in mailboxes. However, if you are
journeys have veered significantly off-course.
be at an appropriate alert level to convene
For our employed workforce, staff shortages
a conference that will fairly enable all of our
are being felt even more acutely, particularly in
members to attend.
places like Auckland, where the usual back-up pools of staff can no longer be called upon, due to redeployment while multiple DHB staff members self-isolate at home. The logistical nightmare that is our current reality affects all facets of life - from the mundane and now extraordinarily long trip to the supermarket, to the less frequent, highly anticipated events that only roll around once every couple of years. Unfortunately, the upcoming College 16th Biennial National Conference is the latest to be scooped up in Covid-19’s net of collateral damage, and it was with considerable
• This uncertainty means that even with an alternative venue, the potential for a later cancellation would not provide midwives with adequate time to modify or cancel travel, accommodation and leave arrangements.
any communication, please contact the College. Finally, the College wishes to acknowledge the exhaustive efforts of our members at this time, whose midwifery hearts continue to be the driving force behind providing compassionate care of the highest standard, to wāhine, pepi and whānau through our most challenging times. square
The College did consider converting the conference to an on-line format, but our national board was also very conscious of the extra pressure our workforce has been experiencing due to the recent resurgence of Covid-19, and the additional stress this causes for midwives. With this in mind, we considered the best course of action was to cancel the event entirely, and plan the next biennial conference for a time
disappointment that the College national board
when we can all be assured of more certainty
made the difficult decision to cancel the event.
than the current climate can provide.
A combination of concerns led to this decision:
entitled to a refund and have not yet received
We know this will be incredibly disappointing
• We were notified in late August by Te Pae
for our delegates, speakers and exhibitors,
(conference venue), that due to a halt in
who were looking forward to reconnecting
construction work during the current alert
and sharing their work with colleagues, but
We are all making concessions over this time, to varying degrees, on both personal and professional levels, and are at the mercy of Covid-19.
NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT: College President Nicole Pihema has put herself forward for a second term as president (as is her right under the College’s constitution). Nominations are now called for any candidates who wish to stand against Nicole. The closing date for nominations is 11 October 2021. If there are any opposing candidates, an election will be held by online ballot. If there are no opposing candidates, Nicole will be re-elected unopposed. Please contact Lynda Overton Lynda.o@nzcom.org.nz for further information.
ISSUE 102 SEPTEMBER 2021 | 7
