Tehy, the trade union for the social care, healthcare and early childhood education and care sector, has long been actively advocating for the upgrading of midwifery education to a master’s degree from a university of applied sciences. The change is strongly supported by various studies and research findings. However, Parliament is currently in the process of passing a bill that would keep the level of midwifery education unchanged.
– This is a major disappointment for us. The duration of the studies will increase, but the level of education will not be raised. The work of a midwife requires independent decision-making, management of care processes and clinical expertise. A higher-level degree would be in line with international recommendations and would ensure high-quality midwifery. We are falling behind, says Millariikka Rytkönen, President of Tehy.
Tehy’s experts have also appeared before the Parliament’s Social Affairs and Health Committee on this matter. The opposition members of the committee have understood the concerns raised by the experts and Tehy regarding midwifery education and have described the proposal as a failure with harmful consequences.
In many European countries and member states of the World Health Organization (WHO), midwifery education is a master’s level qualification or includes elements of a master’s level qualification. International research shows that master’s level education prepares midwives for the demanding specialist, research and development duties that are at the heart of modern midwifery.
Paramedics may be granted a protected occupational title as part of the reform of the Act on Health Care Professionals
Tehy has long been advocating for the addition of the occupational title of paramedic to the Act on Health Care Professionals. The Education and Culture Committee addressed the matter in its own statement and proposed a resolution on the issue. Inclusion in the Act would mean recognition of emergency medical services as a specialised field, and this could be achieved as part of the reform of the Act on Health Care Professionals. The Act on Health Care Professionals is due for consultation before the summer.
– Including the occupational title in the law would strengthen the position of paramedics and recognise their strong specialised skills. We welcome this with open arms, says Millariikka Rytkönen.
Enquiries: Sari Viinikainen, Administrative Director, +358 40 779 3637, [email protected]
