A dedicated ambulance has been allocated for obstetric and gynaecological emergency transfers to Tauranga Hospital since the downgrade of Whakatāne Hospital’s maternity services.

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora deputy chief executive for Te Manawa Taki heath region Cath Cronin said two patients had required transfer to Tauranga since January 13, when the service was put in place.

The loss of obstetric and gynaecological services in Whakatāne has been attributed to an inability to find enough staff.

It has been the subject of a petition by members of the community opposed to it, which has gathered more than 4000 signatures.

Ms Cronin said Health New Zealand contracted Hato Hone St John to provide Patient Transfer Services (PTS) in the Eastern Bay, including Whakatāne.

“This is a dedicated PTS ambulance, which will provide 24/7 coverage when required for all obstetric and gynaecology emergency transfers to Tauranga Hospital. This is an additional vehicle to the three PTS ambulances that already operate out of Whakatāne.”

Patient transfer ambulances were additional to the Emergency Ambulance Service ambulances already in Whakatāne and would not impact on the ambulance service or other PTS resources in the district.