"
skip to Main Content
    • Medical Negligence
    • Women’s Health
          • Women’s Health

            We know that there is disparity in women’s health care, treatment, and support. We are committed to improving the lives of women and strongly advocating for their wellbeing.  That is why we take a stand and hold medical professionals accountable when medical care falls short of expected standards by delivering the best outcome in medical negligence claims affecting women.

            Read More

    • Hospital Negligence
          • Hospital Negligence

            We understand you may feel let down because you have experienced inadequate or negligent care and treatment in a hospital or medical facility. Your wellbeing is most important to us and we are committed to supporting you with compassion and holding medical professionals accountable for breach of duty and negligent care.

            Read More

    • Clinical Support
          • Clinical Support

            Experiencing poor or adverse outcomes from allied health treatment can be distressing and life changing. We are here to support you through your claim and it is our aim to hold allied health professionals accountable for their breach of care by delivering the outcome you deserve to your negligence claims.

            Read More

    • I need help
          • Not Sure where to start?

            Hello, I’m Jade. I’m here to help you with a quick call that will help us better understand your legal concerns. This way, I can connect you with the lawyer who is best suited to assist you with your situation.

            Your well-being is important to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

            Call me on 02 4050 0330 or email [email protected]

    • Personal Injury
          • Personal Injury

            If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, our specialist team of Personal Injury Lawyers is here to support you with compassion and understanding providing you with the right advice. Our team has substantial experience and expertise in these matters to deliver the outcomes you deserve from your claim.

            Read More

    • Work Injury
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
          • Motor Vehicle Accidents

            We are here to support you and give you the clarity, guidance and the right legal advice if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. Our compassionate team of professionals in Personal Injury law have the technical expertise and a wealth of experience to win you the compensation you deserve.

            Read More

    • Public Liability
          • Public Liability

            Our specialist team in Personal Injury law is here to support you in accessing proper compensation if you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence. We have cutting edge expertise and experience in public liability claims to deliver the outcome you deserve.

            Read More

    • Abuse
          • Institutional Abuse

            We strongly believe that educational institutions must be held accountable when failing to protect children while in their care. If you have experienced institutional physical or sexual abuse, our specialist team in Personal Injury law is here to support you with compassion and offer our technical expertise and experience to deliver the best outcome in your case.

            Read More

    • Workers Compensation
          • Workers Compensation

            When you sustain an injury or illness because of work, you may be entitled to  compensation. Our specialist team in Personal Injury Law is here to support you with compassion and understanding with the right advice. We have substantial technical expertise to deliver the best possible outcome from your claim.

            Read More

    • School Negligence
    • I Need Help
          • Not Sure where to start?

            Hello, I’m Jade. I’m here to help you with a quick call that will help us better understand your legal concerns. This way, I can connect you with the lawyer who is best suited to assist you with your situation.

            Your well-being is important to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

            Call me on 02 4050 0330 or email [email protected]

    • Wills & Estate Planning
          • Wills and Estates

            When we provide advice on estate planning, we believe  in giving advice on options to mitigate the risks of litigation by potentially unhappy family members and protecting your assets from claims. Our legal team is here to support you and address your concerns regarding your estate planning. We have immense experience in these matters, providing you with advice and representation for your unique situation and delivering the best outcomes for your case.

            Read More

    • Powers of Attorney
    • Contest A Will
          • Contest A Will

            We have immense experience and specialised knowledge in family provision and wills disputes Where you have not been properly and adequately provided for under a will or where you suspect that the person making the will may not have had capacity or exercised their own free will, you need a lawyer with extensive experience and expertise. Our team of Lawyers will  provide you with advice and representation for your unique situation and deliver the best outcomes for your case.

            Read More

    • Probate & Deceased Estates
    • Enduring Guardian
    • Family Provision
    • I Need Help
          • Not Sure where to start?

            Hello, I’m Jade. I’m here to help you with a quick call that will help us better understand your legal concerns. This way, I can connect you with the lawyer who is best suited to assist you with your situation.

            Your well-being is important to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

            Call me on 02 4050 0330 or email [email protected]

    • Other Services Overview
          • Conrad Curry Can assist you with a variety of services

            Our solicitors are highly experienced in providing you with expert legal advice and will keep you informed every step of the way. It’s good to know that our firm is trusted and effective with a high success rate.

            Read More

    • Professional Negligence
          • Professional Negligence

            We rely on professionals in all aspects of our lives to provide us with proper advice on which to make decisions about our financial and legal affairs. When you are let down by poor advice the results can be devastating.  We are here to support you in your claim for compensation with clarity, guidance and the right advice to achieve the outcome you deserve.

            Read More

    • Malicious Prosecution
          • Malicious Prosecution

            We believe in standing up for those people who are falsely accused and prosecuted. Our experienced legal team is here to support you with compassion and provide you with clarity, guidance, and the right advice in your claim for compensation.

            Read More

    • General Litigation
    • I Need Help
          • Not Sure where to start?

            Hello, I’m Jade. I’m here to help you with a quick call that will help us better understand your legal concerns. This way, I can connect you with the lawyer who is best suited to assist you with your situation.

            Your well-being is important to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

            Call me on 02 4050 0330 or email [email protected]

    • What to Expect
          • What to expect

            We are your law firm for life. You can count on us for the best legal advice and compassionate support. We understand the challenges you are facing and we want you to know that you don’t have to navigate the often daunting process alone. We are here when you need us. Let us help you find your way forward with our empathetic and efficient approach. Contact us. You can call us on (02) 4050 0330 for a free initial no-obligation consultation or book an appointment online for an in-person consultation or an online video appointment.

  • No Win/No Fee Options

Understanding Birth Trauma: NSW Report Insights

The NSW Parliament, Select Committee on Birth Trauma published its first report in May 2024, following 4000 submissions and a number of public hearings as a result of the landmark birth trauma inquiry.

Birth trauma affects many families and can have a significant physical, emotional and psychological impact. The recent report provides important insights into the prevalence and impact of birth trauma as well as necessary reforms to address birth trauma effectively. This article summarises the key findings and recommendations from the report, offering a clear understanding for those affected by birth trauma and those seeking to support them.

Key Findings from the NSW Report

The report summarised 5 key findings as set out below:

  1. There are many individuals who have suffered preventable birth trauma in New South Wales and the experiences of the people who gave evidence to this inquiry is distressing and unacceptable.
  2. That urgent efforts must be made to address avoidable and preventable factors that contribute to birth trauma.
  3. That in some cases of birth trauma, women have recounted that they perceived this as a form of violence.
  4. That prospective parents need to be provided with clear and comprehensive education about all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth so that consent given to any obstetric intervention is fully informed.
  5. That a ‘one size fits all’ approach is inadequate for the New South Wales maternity care system and that tailoring care to meet the needs of individuals is essential for improving outcomes.

Recommendations for Improvement

The report makes 43 recommendations for improvements in NSW maternity care. In summary, the recommendations focus on the below areas.

Policy and Legislative Changes: To address birth trauma systematically, the report recommends several policy and legislative changes. These include mandating reporting of birth trauma incidents, creating standardised care protocols, and ensuring accountability in healthcare practices. The recommendations propose making advisory group memberships public and publishing meeting minutes online. Additionally, they suggest reviewing and updating hospital policies on birthing interventions to ensure they are evidence-based and support informed consent. By implementing these changes, the aim is to create a safer and more supportive environment for birthing parents.

Funding: There are several recommendations made in relation to government funding. It is recommended that the government fund research into birth trauma to improve knowledge and practices related to preventing and managing birth trauma along with making investments into the midwifery and GP Obstetric workforce to expand continuity of care models, particularly in rural and remote areas. Additionally, funding is recommended for psychological support and essential postpartum services including physiotherapy to assist women to recover from birth related pelvic floor injuries.

Education and training: The report makes recommendations in relation to comprehensive education and training across various aspects of maternity care. It recommends training programs for health care providers including better education on recognising and managing birth trauma, as well as training in communication and empathy to support affected families.

Additionally, it recommends accessible breastfeeding support for parents and advocates for the development of evidence-based antenatal education programs that empower expectant parents with essential knowledge about childbirth. The report suggests making birth plans readily available to guide parents through informed decision-making during the birthing process. Improved education and training aim to reduce the incidence of trauma and ensure that healthcare providers can offer appropriate support when it occurs.

Improved Support Services: The report calls for the expansion of support services for those affected by birth trauma. This includes providing access to specialised counselling, peer support groups, and comprehensive postnatal care. Ensuring that families have access to these resources is crucial for their recovery and long-term well-being.

Diversity: Addressing diverse needs in maternity care is highlighted, advocating for culturally safe practices and improving accessibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and diverse cultural backgrounds. This includes tailored education and training for healthcare practitioners to ensure equitable care delivery.

Miscarriage & stillbirth: The recommendations prioritise creating dedicated spaces in healthcare settings for parents experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth, separate from new mothers and babies. It also calls for comprehensive training on bereavement support for maternity healthcare providers to assist grieving families during these difficult times.

Conclusion

The NSW Parliamentary report on birth trauma provides vital insights into the prevalence and impact of this significant issue. We hope that the recommended changes will be implemented and lead to both a reduction in the incidence of birth trauma and improved support for those affected. Families deserve compassionate care and effective support during one of the most important times in their lives.

If you would like to read the full report it can be accessed at the following link: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lcdocs/inquiries/2965/FINAL%20Birth%20Trauma%20Report%20-%2029%20April%202024.pdf

How We Can Help

At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, we understand the profound impact birth trauma can have on families and have represented many clients who have experienced birth trauma. Our experienced team of medical negligence lawyers is dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time. We provide compassionate legal advice and representation to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by birth trauma, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

DISCLAIMER

This article reflects the current law at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The actual decisions in each case are summarised for general understanding. For specific legal guidance in relation to your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional.

Recent Articles

Stay Updated With Legal News
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.