Information for the Public
The document below is published by the Ministry of Health describing the purpose of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act).
The Midwifery Council of New Zealand is responsible for protecting the health and safety of members of the public by providing mechanisms to ensure that midwives are competent and fit to practise midwifery.
The HPCA Act makes it an offence for a person who is not a registered midwife to claim to be a registered midwife. However it does not stop an unregistered person from offering midwifery services, on the basis that a consumer can choose for themselves whether they seek maternity care from a registered midwife and someone who is not. However, registered midwives hold midwifery qualifications, are subject to various requirements relating to maintaining ongoing competence and they uphold a code of professional conduct and ethics. The Midwifery Council strongly recommends that consumers seek maternity care only from a midwife who is registered with the Midwifery Council and who holds a current practising certificate. More details about these are set out below and a midwife's status can be checked on the Register on this website.
Registration
Before they can be registered, midwifery students in New Zealand have to:
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successfully complete a three year Bachelor of Midwifery programme at one of the five accredited Midwifery Schools (attached to tertiary institutions); and
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pass the National Midwifery Examination set by the Midwifery Council; and
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satisfy the Midwifery Council that they are fit for registration as defined by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.
Midwives who qualified overseas and who wish to work in New Zealand have to satisfy the Midwifery Council that:
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they are registered as a midwife in the country in which they completed their training; and
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their midwifery qualification, post-registration practise and post-registration further training and education, considered as a whole, is equivalent in content and competencies to the New Zealand qualifications for registration; and
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they can communicate in and comprehend English to the Midwifery Council's required standard; and
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they are fit for registration as defined by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, which includes providing a current Certificate of Good Standing issued by their overseas registration authority.
Practising Certificates
Your midwife should show you her practising certificate. If she does not, ask to see it. It may be an annual practising certificate or an interim practising certificate in which case conditions on her practice will be listed on the reverse of the card. If a midwife cannot or will not show you her practising certificate we recommend that you find another midwife and notify the Midwifery Council.
You can also check the status of your midwife (and find the names of registered midwives in your area) by searching the public Register. The Midwifery Council does NOT make public the contact details of midwives.
Other ways in which the public is protected
The Midwifery Council has established policy and processes in other areas to provide a framework for the regulation of midwives.
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Pre-registration education (for Entry to the Register of Midwives)
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Recertification Programme to maintain competence of midwives at entry level
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Return to Practice Programme for midwives who have been out of practice for three or more years
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Mechanisms to deal with issues such as :
A major focus of this regulatory framework is to ensure the ongoing competence of the midwifery workforce such that the care provided by midwives is safe and meets acceptable professional standards.
Processes are in place for members of the public to complain or seek further advice if they are not satisfied with the care they have received from a midwife.
Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal
In October 2007, the HPDT found a charge of professional misconduct against RM Sharon Louise Robertson was proved. The Tribunal ordered that details of its decision be publicised. The details can be accessed by clicking on the icon below.
In June 2008, the HPDT found charges of professional misconduct against RM Bala Naidu were proved. The Tribunal ordered that details of its decision be publicised and these can be accessed by clicking on the icon below.
In April 2009 the HPDT found charges of professional misconduct against a midwife referred to as Ms N were proved. The Tribunal ordered that a summary of its decision be publicised and this can be accessed by clicking on the icon below.
In June 2009 the HPDT found charges of professional misconduct againt RM Monique Kapua were proved. The Tribunal ordered that a summary of its decision be publicised and this can be accessed by clicking on the icon below.
Midwives who are currently suspended from practice.
Suspended by the Midwifery Council
Gay Pillos Manasala: Interim Suspension Order made on 22 July 2005
Ngahuia Erena Bristowe: Interim Suspension Order made on 7 September 2005
Paulette Jean Whitford: Interim Suspension Order made on 10 September 2005
Addie Wainohu: Interim Suspension Order made on 12 December 2006
Camille Margaret (Maggie) Matthews: Interim Suspension Order made on 28 May 2007
Erin Portia Hanlon-Wake: Interim Suspension Order made on 14 July 2008
Bala Mani Naidu: Interim Suspension Order made on 12 June 2009
Mary Elizabeth Casey (Christchurch); Interim Suspension Order made on 21 January 2010 (Note: this is not RM Mary Elizabeth Casey who practises in Auckland).
Suspended by the Nursing Council before September 2004
Pushpawati Nair
Mary Rose McKenzie
Dorothy Margaret Turner
Shelia Ripeka Kingi
Heather Lyn Kumm
Nann Ann Smit
Midwives who have been removed from the Register of Midwives.
Monique Renee Kapua: Order of the Health Practitioner Disciplinary Tribunal 249/Mid08/103D dated 21 September 2009
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