Tawa Rotarian Denise Garcia, has been assisting from day 2 with other  health professionals on the Covid-19 contact tracing phones since March 21.  Denise tells of some of her experiences.

"Checking in on how people are doing, plus giving instructions on self isolation from Ministry of Health headquarters in Wellington for 3 shifts a week. Talking to people from anywhere in NZ to all over the world in contact with anyone in NZ who has tested positive for Covid-19. Highlight was an American couple in Missouri who I rang. "Honey its Denise from New Zealand, the Ministry of Health there really care about us"  

 

Home-visiting new babies and families is a huge challenge with hardly any PPE gear available. Keeping everyone safe, is the priority. Denise has made her own masks as the 7 provided were gone in 2 days. She purchased her own hospital scrubs to be as clean as possible. When she gets home its straight into the shower and changes and washes her clothes. At home its 3 people in separate rooms, different bathrooms, own set of crockery, sitting on separate couches apart - distancing to keep the bubble as safe as it can be". 

lease read more: An excerpt  from 'Midpoint' Midwifery Council of New Zealand Newsletter - April 2020.  It highlights the Council's statement on practice as a midwife during an emergency.

Kia ora koutou
 
These are unprecedented times. The Council is aware of the challenges confronting our profession and are sincerely appreciative of the way that midwives are stepping up to care for women and babies.
Attached to this email is the Council’s statement on practice as a midwife during an emergency. This clearly outlines the Council's expectations of midwives during this and any future national emergency. You are asked to read and review this statement and to ensure that you understand what is expected of you at this time.
The Council acknowledges the challenging times we are all facing but has clearly outlined its expectations of midwives. The Council continues to work with the MOH, College, HQSC and Heads of School as we navigate our way through these changing landscapes.
Dr Sue Calvert, CE/Registrar,
Midwifery Council