New midwifery team for Far North

Midwives in the Far North have collectively developed a service model that ensures people in the area are able to continue to access a local maternity service, despite a national shortage of midwives
Kaitaia Hospital Operations Manager, Neta Smith, said it was becoming increasingly difficult to find midwives to cover the maternity unit. The Ministry of Health requires a maternity unit to have a midwife available as support to any midwife delivering a baby in the unit. She said: "The local midwives were aware of the staffing difficulties, and presented a model of care to myself and Sue Wyeth, General Manager."

Six midwives now work collectively to provide midwifery support to the maternity unit in addition to their responsibilities as an independent midwife. The team offers pregnant women the option of a hospital or home birth, and also provides ante and post natal care for mothers, including home visits.

All six midwives are now working as a team for the DHB, as Kaitaia Midwifery Services. Far North mothers-to-be will be able to choose the midwife to provide their care, or have one allocated if they have no preference.

The team holds clinics at Kaitaia Hospital's new GP rooms, following the redevelopment which has created additional space. Antenatal classes for expectant women and their partners are also scheduled to be held at the hospital.

The team is: Steph Getty, Keri Rewha, Colleen Brown, Tanja Smeets, Zoe Lo Giacco and Sue Lee.

Anyone wishing to access maternity care in the Far North should contact the midwifery team at Kaitaia Hospital on 09-408 0011 x 4864.





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For further information, please contact:

Clare Blackburn, Communications Manager

Northland District Health Board 

Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3315