Stratford Maternity Unit

Mayor Neil Volzke comments:

“The unexpected closure of the Stratford Maternity Unit has come as a huge blow to this community and I have real concerns on what the future of maternity services for this district may look like.

My understanding of the current situation is, that the service available since the new provider took over in July was going along nicely. The number of births was good, the number of forward bookings was stable and the unit was financially sound, but the staffing issues have been a major problem.

The difficulties being experienced in recruiting and retaining suitably qualified midwives is the crux of the matter. This acute problem is surely fixable and obviously the TDHB is the key organisation to finding that solution.

I have spoken with the TDHB and will do so again this week about the importance and the retention of this maternity service to the Central Taranaki community. The TDHB has said they “will continue to work through the options for Maternity services for Stratford women over the coming weeks”; but we need assurance that this community will be part of that conversation.

I fully understand that their problem right now is managing how to deal with the unfortunate contractual situation where their service provider cannot offer the service, but this is only the short term, immediate problem.

The wider issue is how this essential local service can be re-opened in a way that is sustainable and re-assuring for our expectant mothers. One thing is for sure, as was the case in the past, this community will not stand idly by and watch the temporary closure become permanent.”

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