the midwives of the Beauregard private hospital on indefinite strike
Since December 13, the midwives of the maternity ward of the private hospital Beauregard in Marseille have been on strike. They require more resources in the face of increased activity, as well as a salary increase.
Maternity Closed. Here is what can be read on a small sign at the entrance to the Beauregard maternity hospital in Marseille. Almost all of the establishment’s midwives have been on indefinite strike since December 13.
A situation that gets bogged down, while “activity increased for three years“, they denounce in a press release. According to them, the situation has worsened further for a year, as in many professions.
This is why they call on the management of the hospital: “we look to management for the means that will allow us to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and their babies“.
For this, the midwives are calling for a reinforcement of the workforce, in particular with “the creation of a post of midwife dedicated to consultations“, to pay “ensure better patient care“.
In the department, they are between 26 and 30. One of them agreed to testify anonymously. “We do not ask for extraordinary things: a childcare assistant, and a nurse for cesarean sections“. Dejected, she explains that sometimes,”even the pharmacy no longer follows. There are days when we have more sofas, more Doliprane, more Spasfon… In a maternity hospital…“.
These angry midwives, according to them, deliver more than 2,500 deliveries per year. An activity which increases from year to year, and with it, days which become more and more difficult to hold.
“QWhen there are only three midwives, you have to provide consultations, you have to have a caesarean, a childbirth… there are days when we do not eat. Where we don’t go to the bathroom. And nobody talks about it“.
They also denounce the expectation, for four months, of a “salary increase promise“, namely a premium of 250 euros net / month, as well as a”revaluation of our medical liability premium to 150 euros net per month“.
“We are the least paid midwives in Marseille, private and public sector combined. And yet we passed accreditations, we gave ourselves thoroughly. It’s good for the clinic. But there is no turning back“, laments this midwife.
In their press release, the midwives explain having questioned the management of the hospital on November 25, asking to be received. Last August, they were reportedly promised a pay rise. Since then, nothing.
That’s why they decided to go on an indefinite strike: “we knew it would be difficult. It lasts, but we will hold on“.
Today, the Beauregard maternity hospital is closed. The high-risk pregnancy service also. Patients are starting to be transferred to other establishments, “which also overflow “.
Determined, they launched a petition, which has already announced more than 6,000 signatures in support.
This Saturday, December 18, we were unable to contact the management of Beauregard hospital.