Proposal seeks greater autonomy for midwives

A senior midwife at the Lautoka Aspen Maternity Unit has called for autonomous midwifery practice to be included in the review of the Nursing Act 2011.

Ateca Takotavuki made the submission during a public consultation at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka yesterday.

The consultation is an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in partnership with the Office of the Solicitor-General.

The review aims to gather public input to ensure the Nursing Act remains relevant, responsive to current healthcare needs and aligned with professional standards and best practices.

Ms Takotavuki raised concerns about limitations under the 1999 regulations governing advanced nursing and midwifery practice, particularly in relation to establishing new units or clinics.

She proposed provisions allowing midwives and registered nurses to operate their own clinics and administer vaccines independently.

“This would mean that midwives can practise independently, like medical officers, and run their own clinics if it is included in the Act,” she said.

Ms Takotavuki also provided guidance on accessing the Nursing Act and subsidiary legislation online for further review and recommendations.

Laisiana Tuapate, a member of the technical group reviewing the Act, acknowledged the submission and said the team had noted the recommendation.