An interim manager has been appointed to Whakatāne Hospital.

Jenny Martelli will begin her role on March 10, and her appointment follows increasing pressure on Health NZ Te Whatu Ora from the public following the downgrade of the hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department in January.

Eastern Bay residents came out in force last weekend for a Hikoi for Health march through Whakatāne in protest against the downgrade. One of its demands was the immediate appointment of a manager at the hospital.

Hikoi for Health leader Nandor Tanczos welcomed the appointment of Ms Martelli, who has been employed by Health NZ and its predecessors for several  years and brings hospital operational management experience to the role.

Mr Tanczos acknowledged that an appointment had been in the pipeline, but said it was “great to see them responsive”, in reference to Health NZ.

“It is really great news and I think it could have a real impact. It depends a little bit on what their job description is, and what their responsibilities are and what decision-making powers they have.”

Mr Tanczos said it would be ideal if the interim manager had the power to appoint staff to the hospital rather than go through the bureaucracy, “then that would be enormously beneficial”.

Mr Tanczos said with her strong background in hospital administration, Ms Martelli appeared to be a very strong candidate for the role.

The Hikoi for Health Facebook page notes that Ms Martelli has been a part of the Te Manawa Taki team, a network including deputy chief executives, Iwi Māori Partnership Boards and others that serves the central North Island, so knows our region well.