Counties Manukau DHB Maternity Recommendations Supported

Media Statement
15 November 2012

Maternity Care Recommendations From Counties Manukau DHB Strongly Supported By Obstetricians And Midwives

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) New Zealand Committee, along with the New Zealand College of Midwives (NZCOM), welcomes the recommendations of the review of maternity care in the Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB). The recommendations were developed after an extensive external review of maternity services in the region.

"It is great to see CMDHB committed to the care of pregnant women and their babies in the region. The review panel's recommendations around early pregnancy assessment, access to care, and prioritising care for high-risk and vulnerable women, as well as incentivising women to attend a full pregnancy assessment appointment before 10 weeks of pregnancy, are spot on. We hope that other DHBs around the country will also consider the implications of this review in their regions," says Dr John Tait, Chair of the RANZCOG New Zealand Committee.

According to NZCOM, the focus on optimal care for women most at risk, including Maori and Pasifika women, is especially pleasing.

"Improving access to quality, culturally appropriate maternity care is essential in improving the support and outcomes for Maori and Pasifika women and their babies. Addressing shortages in the midwifery workforce and maternity health professionals working together to further strengthen a multicultural workforce is absolutely key to making this approach a success," says Karen Guilliland, CEO of NZCOM.

RANZCOG and NZCOM support a seamless collaborative model of care which sees doctors, midwives and other health professionals working together for the benefit of pregnant women and their babies. Maternity specialists welcome the recommendations from CMDHB, and look forward to other DHBs moving towards a similar model of maternity care.

The report can be found at www.cmdhb.org.nz.

About RANZCOG:
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) is dedicated to maintaining the highest possible standards in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia and New Zealand.

About NZCOM:
The New Zealand College of Midwives (the NZCOM) is the professional organisation setting the standards for all employed and self-employed midwives in New Zealand.

ENDS

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