KEY POINTS:
A Health Ministry review has praised the quality of maternity care in the Wellington region, but also identified improvements to be made.
The Capital and Coast DHB's maternity services review was commissioned by the director-general of health in July after the death of a baby at the Kenepuru maternity unit.
The ministry's chief advisor on child and youth health, Pat Tuohy, said the review found the maternity services to be of a high quality and as safe as anywhere else in New Zealand.
"This external assessment affirms the public's confidence in maternity services in the Wellington area," she said.
The review acknowledged the initiatives to improve midwifery and maternity services and applauded obstetricians and midwives for their commitment to provide additional ante-natal services.
However, the review also found several gaps in the services, noting in particular a need for improved postnatal care facilities throughout the region, a shortage of midwives and a need for better access to emergency services in the Kenepuru and Paraparaumu birthing units.
Capital and Coast DHB's clinical director of women's health John Tait said the DHB welcomed the report.
"We embrace the report and accept its recommendations, which will play a significant role in shaping our services," Dr Tait said.
- NZPA
