I fully agree that statistics regarding maternity care and outcomes be published.

Birth Options Association Australia (BOAA) has a page that can link you to some stats, but state to state varies in what they record, they are difficult to read and only cover some public hospitals.

What I would like to see is a system like BirthChoiceUK - Title Page

I made a choice not to birth in my local hospital because of the extremely high intervention rates. As a Level 1 hospital, all women/babies considered at risk would be sent to other hospitals. The rates of intervention should have been lower not higher then other hospitals.

I found out this information from the government, I had requested the information three times from the local hospital, only to be told three completely different answers.

I have found that policies, guidelines and statistics need to provided in writing. Verbal responses have proved to be incorrect.

Accountability and transparency is vital in our health services. If people would like to know the outcomes of a health service, they should be given access. For the people not interested ? you can then make a choice not to read them.

I coordinate the monthly Birth Options Information Sessions in Canterbury and every single time people come up to me after the sessions expressing thanks at having been told the truth and wanting access to further information.

Knowledge allows choices to be made that are right for you and support you in the path you wish to take.

I for one want the information so I can make an informed choice.

If anyone has the skills to put together a system like the one on the birthchoice site please let the Birth Options team know.

Deb