Key Takeaways:
- Whakatāne Hospital has been recruiting for more obstetrician-gynaecologists to restart services.
- A senior obstetrician recruited from overseas has quit during his orientation period.
- Hundreds of women from Eastern Bay of Plenty have had to travel to Tauranga Hospital to give birth in the last year.
- Health NZ is on track to recommence 24/7 services in the coming months.
- Recruitment continues for two more obstetrician-gynaecologist positions.
Introduction to the Issue
Whakatāne Hospital has been facing significant challenges in its obstetrics and gynaecology services, with four out of five obstetricians resigning in the last year. This has resulted in hundreds of women from the Eastern Bay of Plenty having to travel to Tauranga Hospital to give birth. In an effort to restart services, the hospital has been recruiting for more obstetrician-gynaecologists. However, a recent setback has occurred with the resignation of a senior obstetrician who was recruited from overseas during his orientation period.
Recruitment Efforts
Despite the setback, Health NZ has stated that it is on track to recommence 24/7 services in the coming months. The organization has been prioritizing the recruitment of senior medical officers to support the recommencement of secondary obstetrics and gynaecology services in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. In a written response to questions, group director of operations for Bay of Plenty, Andrew Boyd, said that there had been "good progress with international recruitment." Three new obstetrician-gynaecologists were welcomed at a pōhiri at Whakatāne on Monday, January 19, and recruitment continues for two more positions.
Community Response
The sudden resignation of the specialist in December has caused frustration among community midwives. One local midwife, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the doctor had been introduced as the person recruited to lead the service at his welcome party at Whakatāne maternity unit in November. The midwife expressed concern about the poor communication and the uncertainty surrounding the replacement for the resigned doctor. Another midwife said that three new obstetrician-gynaecologists had been welcomed, and two more were being recruited, with an expected commencement of full services in April. However, the midwife noted that this depended on the recruitment and the ability to hold onto the new staff members.
Uncertainty and Concerns
The uncertainty surrounding the obstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatāne Hospital has caused concerns among midwives and Tauranga Hospital staff. Some staff members fear that specialists may be required to help cover Whakatāne if it is not fully staffed by April, putting more pressure on their own services. RNZ understands that Health NZ’s regional director for Midland Te Manawa Taki, Cath Cronin, has stipulated that the Eastern Bay Plenty service must be reestablished in April. The community is awaiting further updates on the recruitment process and the future of the obstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatāne Hospital.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, Whakatāne Hospital is facing significant challenges in its obstetrics and gynaecology services, but Health NZ is working to restart services by recruiting more obstetrician-gynaecologists. Despite the recent setback, the organization is on track to recommence 24/7 services in the coming months. The community is awaiting further updates on the recruitment process and the future of the obstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatāne Hospital. With the expected commencement of full services in April, the hospital is hoping to provide better outcomes for patients, including mothers and their whānau. Health NZ has thanked the community for its patience, feedback, and continued support as it strengthens these vital hospital services.