A sustained push to fill key vacancies is bringing Whakatāne a step closer to resuming secondary obstetrics and gynaecology services by March/April next year.

In January, Whakatāne Hospital moved to offer only a primary birthing service in response to long-running, specialist workforce challenges in secondary maternity services.

Health New Zealand has since filled four senior medical officer (SMO) positions and continues to recruit for the fifth vacancy.

“This is positive news for patients and expectant mothers in the district,” said Cath Cronin, Health New Zealand executive regional director Te Manawa Taki.

“In obstetrics and gynaecology, three senior medical officers from overseas have accepted offers, with one already arrived and begun the Medical Council of New Zealand’s required supervision period at Tauranga Hospital.

“The specialist doctor has started doing some gynaecology clinics and day cases at Whakatāne,” she said.

“The other senior medical officers are expected to start later this year and in the new year and we continue to recruit and interview for a fifth SMO.

“Just last week, we also welcomed our new midwife manager to Ko Matariki, Lou McInnes, who will provide clinical expertise, leadership, and management to the Ko Matariki team.

“Lou has come from Auckland City Hospital and has an extensive background in clinical and educational leadership positions and has worked in a variety of maternity care settings,” Ms Cronin said.

In the meantime, she is reassuring patients seeking maternity services locally that the safety of whānau and pepi (babies) remain a top priority.

“There is robust escalation planning underway to help manage short-term pressures and ensure the continued delivery of safe care until the full restoration of services next year,” Ms Cronin says.

“The focus remains on continuing recruitment, strengthening our rosters, and effectively managing resources so that Whakatāne Hospital can be responsive to the needs of our community.”