Kia ora koutou members,

A few items for clarification and updating today:

1. In person care expectations during Alert Level 4. The College has prepared specific advice to guide decisions by LMC midwives about in-person care during Alert Level 4. Although we are all being asked to avoid unnecessary contact with each other, a minimum level of physical in person assessments are required for essential care. The College’s advice provides a framework, however we encourage all midwives to use their clinical judgement to determine the best option in each situation to balance the need for necessary physical assessment and minimisation of contact. Midwives are encouraged to review the advice, however for ease of access, flow charts from the document are set out below. The Ministry of Health advice for community based midwives care for women who are probable of confirmed Covid-19 or under investigation for Covid-19 can also be found here. It is important to note is the Ministry’s advice that women who are in self-isolation still require postnatal, in person home visits, specifically but not limited to: Newborn metabolic screen, Breastfeeding support and Full top-to-toe clinical baby examination and weight within 7 days.
2. Vulnerable workers. The DHBs have developed of occupational health advice for staff in relation to ‘Vulnerable workers’ and have published FAQs for staff (including employed midwives). The locum service will be using the DHBs occupational health advice to guide access to locum cover for LMC midwives. LMC midwives who are pregnant or have health conditions which may make them at more risk from Covid are advised to contact the locum service to discuss their specific situation. The College’s website has a summary of Government Funding and Services Schedule that outlines the various options available that LMC midwives may be able to access.  Please read the eligibility criteria carefully and use the links to the specific information for each fund.
3. PPE clarification. The College  has asked the Ministry of Health to clarify its PPE advice regarding the use of face masks by women receiving midwifery care during pregnancy, labour and birth and post natally. The Ministry has confirmed its expectations are:
   – All antenatal/postnatal care: Please provide the woman a mask to wear at all times during in-person care
   – Labour and birth: The woman may wear a mask if tolerated, in any birth setting.The Ministry will update its PPE use advice to ensure these recommendations are clear.
4. Covid vaccination during pregnancy: The College will be posting a recorded Q&A session about the Covid vaccination in pregnancy with Nikki Turner in the coming days. If members have any specific questions they would like Nikki to answer please email them to liaison@nzcom.org.nz

Ngā mihi

Alison Eddy

Chief Executive

New Zealand College of Midwives|Te Kāreti o ngā Kaiwhakawhānau ki Aotearoa