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100 signatures reached
To: The MEC of the Mpumalanga Department of Health, Hon MEC S Manzini
Take Action Against Obstetric Violence at Middelburg Hospital in Mpumalanga
Dear MEC Manzini,
Mavis Sikhosana shared her story of the violence and ill-treatment she experienced whilst giving birth at Middelburg Hospital.
We acknowledge your Department's open investigation but demand that it be coupled with transparent and clear steps to build a culture of empathetic and compassionate care for all staff who engage with mothers. This includes training and development opportunities for staff, ensuring that every mother who wishes to is allowed to have a birth companion (e.g. mother, sister) with her at all times, regular debriefs and other supportive measures to assist overworked staff, and implementation of patient-led plans that acknowledge the importance of healthy and peaceful birthing experiences for mothers and babies.
Mavis Sikhosana shared her story of the violence and ill-treatment she experienced whilst giving birth at Middelburg Hospital.
We acknowledge your Department's open investigation but demand that it be coupled with transparent and clear steps to build a culture of empathetic and compassionate care for all staff who engage with mothers. This includes training and development opportunities for staff, ensuring that every mother who wishes to is allowed to have a birth companion (e.g. mother, sister) with her at all times, regular debriefs and other supportive measures to assist overworked staff, and implementation of patient-led plans that acknowledge the importance of healthy and peaceful birthing experiences for mothers and babies.
Why is this important?
The conditions under which mothers birth are incredibly important for the health of both mothers and babies. Birth is a mother's first in-person interaction with their babies and we owe it to them both to facilitate a calm, quiet and respectful space for that.
How it will be delivered
Once we have our signatures, we will be mailing and posting this petition to the Office of MEC Manzini.