Dargaville birthing unit plan

Northland Health is considering re-opening Dargaville's maternity service as a temporary birthing unit.

Chief executive Karyn McPeake said there had been "considerable" discussion with midwives, community representatives and the Ministry of Health regarding the service, which closed five months ago.

She said the unit could be leased to a lead maternity carer or run as a health board-led service providing a combination of lead maternity and hospital care.