Unexpected Outcome

Support for midwives who have supported a woman who has experienced an unexpected outcome for herself or her baby

NZCOM recognises that midwives who have supported a woman who has experienced an unexpected outcome for herself or her baby in the course of clinical practice can find this experience stressful and difficult, both professionally and personally.

For this reason, NZCOM has developed a booklet (which can be downloaded below)  “Unexpected Outcome – Legal and Professional Information for Midwives”. This booklet sets out;

• Some of the immediate actions that you should take as a midwife who was involved
• Offers some advice as to how to access necessary support and assistance
• Provides an overview of the forums in which you may be held to account for your practice.

If this has happenned to a member of NZCOM they are encouraged to contact the NZCOM Legal Advisor as soon as possible after any events, in order to meet the terms and conditions of their indemnity insurance and obtain the full entitlement to the NZCOM legal service.

NZCOM also has a contract with the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)  to provide a free and confidential short term crisis counseling for midwife members during what can be a stressful and difficult time.  As EAP (or a similar type service) is provided to all DHB employed midwives via their employment conditions, only self employed members, or members who are employed by small organizations such as community trusts or PHOs are eligible to use the NZCOM funded EAP service.

To receive the three free counseling sessions funded by NZCOM under the EAP contract midwife members must be:

• A member of NZCOM
• Self employed or employed by a small organizations such as community trusts or PHOs who do not provide such a service to employees
• Be accessing the services of the NZCOM Legal Advisor for practice related / indemnity purposes

All midwives who are eligible for this service will be informed of their entitlement and how to access the EAP services by the NZCOM Legal Advisor.

Click here to download "Unexpected Outcome – Legal and Professional Information for Midwives”.