The date is set – Whakatāne Hospital will resume maternity and gynaecology services from 8am on April 13.

The announcement follows 15 months of work to strengthen clinical staffing, rebuild service capability, and ensure that systems and processes are in place across the hospital to support the return of services.

District Chief Midwife Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty Sarah Nicholson says work has focused on ensuring services are well supported to deliver local care that meets the needs of women, babies and whānau.

The return of services to Whakatāne Hospital reflects strong operational planning and a commitment to safe clinical care from multidisciplinary teams.

“Our midwives, nurses, doctors and wider teams have worked hard to prepare for this,” said Ms Nicholson.

“Multiple services across Whakatāne Hospital have been involved in escalation and refresher training and updating clinical processes, healthcare is always a team effort.”

While services were unavailable locally, women from the Eastern Bay were supported to access obstetric and gynaecology care at Tauranga Hospital when needed.

“Clinical teams across the wider Bay of Plenty and Te Manawa Taki region supported the community during this challenging period.

“Health New Zealand acknowledges the efforts of staff and community providers across the region who helped maintain access to care and the patience and understanding of the community during this time.

“Health New Zealand will continue working with community maternity providers, Iwi Māori partnership boards, and community partners to support local maternity services.

“Whakatāne Hospital plays a vital role in providing maternity and gynaecological services for the Eastern Bay.

“Our teams are ready to resume 24/7 services so women and their babies can receive the care they require closer to home,” Ms Nicholson said.