Aug
11 August 2008 marks an important day for consumers of nursing and midwifery care across Australia, with the launch at Parliament House of new Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct for each of the nursing and midwifery professions.
Organisers are pleased to welcome Australia’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer (CNMO) Rosemary Bryant and Senator Jan McLucas who will be in Canberra for the launch, which comes as the issue of healthcare regulation is highlighted by the Rudd Government’s reviews of Australia’s systems.
“The role of these codes is to protect healthcare consumers by providing a solid regulatory framework for nurses and midwives and ensuring they are competent to practice,” said Adjunct Associate Professor Moira Laverty, Deputy Chairperson of the ANMC and Chair of the Project Management Committee overseeing the development of the documents. “The launch is important to nurses and midwives who are accountable to the community for providing quality care through safe and effective professional work practices.”
The codes were developed as a joint project between the Australian Council of Midwives (ACM), the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF), the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC), and Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA), following extensive consultation with the public and with nurses and midwives across the country.
“The wide involvement of nurses and midwives in reviewing and developing the codes demonstrates how seriously these professionals take their responsibility to the public,” said Adj. Associate Professor Laverty.
Adjunct Associate Professor Laverty, Professor Pat Brodie (ACM), Ged Kearney (ANF) and Dr Stephanie Fox-Young (RCNA) will address the launch on behalf of their organisations.
On completion of the launch, health consumers, practising nurses and midwives, and relevant spokespersons will also be available to speak with the media about the importance of the codes to practice.
Australian Nursing Federation