Dr Paul Hutchison National Associate Health Spokesperson

23 June 2002

General Practice obstetricians nearing extinction

It is a tragedy that the Labour-Alliance Government is presiding over the rapid extinction of the family doctor-obstetrician, says National Associate Health Spokesperson Dr Paul Hutchison.

"New Zealand is heading towards having almost no general practice obstetricians in both the urban and rural areas and that will lead to serious gaps in choice of care.

"The 1999 Maternity Review advocated team work between doctors and midwives as well as choice of care for the public.

"For true continuity of care it would be ideal to have GP obstetricians working alongside midwives, but GP obstetricians are giving up in despair because this Government has failed to recognise the skills and qualifications medical graduates have.

"The Government should recognise that general practitioners and general practice obstetricians have a key role in the care of mothers, families and children and they should be rewarded accordingly," Dr Hutchison said.

ENDS

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