Obstetric and Gynaecology Services at West Coast DHB

Media release
27 June 2012

Obstetric and Gynaecology Services at West Coast District Health Board

The West Coast District Health Board (WCDHB) is making arrangements to ensure women have access to obstetrics and gynaecology services for four days at the start of July when none will be available locally.

Dr Carol Atmore, West Coast DHB chief medical officer says unforeseen circumstances have resulted in a shortage of specialist cover for up to four days in the first week of July and the WCDHB has made plans to ensure mothers are safely covered during this time.

“It’s likely around 45 women may be affected by this situation and the West Coast DHB apologises for any distress and inconvenience this causes, but is committed to providing a safe service for mothers and babies,” Carol Atmore says.

Pregnant women should discuss their care plans with their Lead Maternity Carer.

The alternative arrangements in place are:

• Travel to Christchurch is recommended for women who are greater than 36 weeks gestation and for those between 34 and 36 weeks gestation, identified by their Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) or Midwife as at higher risk of premature labour and delivery or other complications,.

• Other women between 34 and 36 weeks gestation should discuss their care with their LMC/midwife. If they wish to transfer to Christchurch during this time the West Coast DHB will provide support for accommodation and travel.

• Women needing urgent gynaecological care will be transferred to Christchurch

Carol Atmore says these arrangements are being advised because the permanent obstetric and gynaecology specialist is on leave and locum cover for his absence had been arranged but has fallen through. Therefore from 4pm on Monday July 2, to 8pm on Thursday July 5, 2012, the West Coast District Health Board is unable to provide a specialist obstetric service to women on the West Coast.

This means that services such as planned and emergency caesarean sections, inductions and other obstetric procedures will not be available.

The DHB will make arrangements with women transferring for their safe travel. Reasonable travel and accommodation costs will be met by West Coast DHB.

Women should discuss their care plans with their Lead Maternity Carer (LMC). LMC / midwives will also make arrangements for continuing maternity care while mothers are not on the West Coast during this time, Carol Atmore says.

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