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, to varying degrees, on both personal and professional levels, and are at the mercy of Covid-19. For our LMC workforce, this means conducting clinics over the phone and in driveways, reassuring women whose maternity journeys have veered significantly off-course. For our employed workforce, staff shortages are being felt even more acutely, particularly in 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 disappointment that the College national board made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

A combination of concerns led to this decision:

• We were notified in late August by Te Pae (conference venue), that due to a halt in construction work during the current alert level 4 lockdown, the venue would not be completed in time for the conference.

• The ongoing uncertainty around alert levels, particularly for Auckland midwives, who have been carrying a significant burden of lockdown restrictions, means we may not be at an appropriate alert level to convene a conference that will fairly enable all of our members to attend.

• 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.

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 when we can all be assured of more certainty than the current climate can provide.

We know this will be incredibly disappointing for our delegates, speakers and exhibitors, who were looking forward to reconnecting and sharing their work with colleagues, but ultimately, the decision was made in a bid to keep each other and our whānau safe. All those who registered will receive a full refund and details regarding this should have been communicated by the time this issue of Midwife arrives in mailboxes. However, if you are entitled to a refund and have not yet received 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

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.