Supporting Rural Midwives

Representatives from the NZCOM and Ministry of Health met recently to discuss ongoing support for rural midwives. The Ministry and the NZCOM agree that:

• rural primary care maternity services are essential health services, provided in the main by midwives
• rural midwives require ongoing and additional support in order to sustain their role.

On Monday 28 April, eligible rural midwives received the second and final payment from the Ministry of Health's Remote Rural Support fund.

The Rural Bonus for Midwives is expected to be disbursed by 30 June 2008. This year, rural midwives will not be required to apply for funding. Instead, the Ministry's travel claims data will provide an accountable and transparent basis for the payments. 

The Ministry is identifying, in consultation with the NZCOM, a range of recruitment and retention options to support rural midwifery services for the longer term.