Pleasant Valley......sounds like such a wonderful place. Wrong! The pediatric and obstetrical committees are at it again. I was forwarned but not yet officially notified that the ob committee has recommended and the Medical Executive Committee has approved a new policy that will forbid midwives from delivering babies at this facility. They will have to deliver in Oxnard at St. John's Regional Medical Center. Pleasant Valley, our home hospital, across the street from our office will now be off limits to midwives. The two midwives who are credentialed to work there were never consulted or informed of any problems or reasoning behind this new punitive policy. Neither were the physician groups who support and collaborate with the midwives. It was all done in secret and without explanation. I suspect the workers in the cafeteria knew before we did.
Midwives have had admitting privileges at the twin campuses since the mid 90's. In the entire history of the takeover of these two hospitals by Catholic Healthcare West the medical staffs have been comingled. Credentialed Practitioners can admit to either campus. This move to restrict access to one of the campuses is unprecedented according to those who have been in the community for years. This is yet another assault on the ability of certified nurse midwives to care for low risk pregnant women in any setting by doctors and an administration who treat birth as a disease.
While we attempt to get to the bottom of this and possibly appeal to the board of directors, your phone calls to the administration expressing your displeasure would be appreciated. 805 988-2500 and ask for Administration. Mike Murray is the current CEO but has tendered his resignation. This, too, is curious timing. Anyway, Anne Kelley, MD is the new Chief of Staff. taking over for Dr. Niesluchowski. Juan Torres, is still the OB Chairman. Contacting any of these people or going directly to the Board of Directors may be futile but make your voice heard, please. SJF
Welcome to DR. STU'S BLOG. Along with my podcast at www.drstuspodcast.com it is here that I post my thoughts on a variety of topics on the birthing world. Advocacy for true informed consent and respect for individual autonomy are the basis for the musings you will read here. I hope you enjoy while you learn and I encourage you to comment. Please check out www.birthinginstincts.com for information on home birthing with an obstetrician and my latest news and updates.
Again, I'm dumbfounded. I just can't believe this. It's becoming a truly frightening time for women to bear children. We live in the information age... a time when we have the answers to SO many questions, and yet we move in a backward direction. Greed and power are sick aspirations and I can't help but think about the Salem Witch trials when I think about the future of midwifery and the future of birthing in this nation.
ReplyDeleteDo your administrators have an address (either snail mail or email) that we could write to instead. I'm much better with the written word, especially when I can sit down and organize my thoughts. I'd be more than willing to compose a letter and send it to as many people as necessary.
Please keep fighting the fight... the women in your practice and in your community need you. Thanks again for all you do to support birth and human rights.
I know! Here are some addresses:
ReplyDeleteWrite to any or all of the people listed.
St. John's Regional Medical Center
1600 North Rose Ave
Oxnard, CA 93030
Phone: (805) 988-2500
Corporate Headquarters:
Lloyd H. Dean
President/CEO
Catholic Healthcare West
185 Berry Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 438-5500
Please copy me on anything you write at angelfischs@yahoo.com
And feel free to copy the Ventura County Star and the Camarillo City Council, too. I really believe the community has no idea what is being done to their local hospitals and to their choices.
Thank you for your efforts and kind words, Stuart
Hi,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Sharon Smith and I am the assistant editor of Gynecology.net. I am contacting you today in hopes of developing a relationship with your website; we have seen your site and think your content is great. Gynecology.net offer a free informational resource to both the general and professional public on several women health issues.
I hope you show some interest in building relationship, please contact me at sharon.gynecology.net@gmail.com.