11 July 2002 Media Statement

Agreement Reached for Kaitaia Hospital

Today, following a three-hour meeting of Northland clinicians, Kaitaia community representatives, Northland DHB members, the College of Midwives and the Ministry of Health, an agreement was reached regarding services at Kaitaia hospital.

We are moving forward and have agreed to the following.

1. Restoration of 24-hour surgical services to Kaitaia Hospital for the next three months, whilst working out the appropriate services for the Far North.

2. For this period, Northland Health will recruit two locum specialist anaesthetists and one locum medical paediatric Medical Officer of Special Scale to work in Kaitaia.

3. Restore the caesarean section service with informed consent on the difference in support standards between Whangarei and Kaitaia Hospitals, and all women are to be offered an appointment to see a specialist obstetrician.

4. Establish an agreed process with the assistance of an independent facilitator that will bring together the key stakeholders including Northland DHB and the community to work towards a sustainable long-term solution for the Far North that meets the objectives of the New Zealand Health Strategy.

ENDS

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