Rona Wilding

The downgrading of the obstetric services offered at the obstetric unit Whakatāne Hospital, is an event that causes harm to the families of East Coast women.

The extra hour or more of travel to get essential help will cost the lives of mothers and babies. Even if babies and mothers were to survive the extra travel time while seeking help, their long-term health will be compromised as an outcome.  This is false economy.

I notice that there has been no explanation offered from the health authorities as to the background to this event, such as a mass resignation of obstetricians from the service.  This surely, requires an explanation.