$11.4 million boost for maternity services

Health Minister Pete Hodgson has announced an $11.4 million boost for primary maternity services.

He said the money, from the existing health budget, would go towards recruitment and retention of lead maternity carers.

Mr Hodgson said the quality of maternity care in New Zealand was good, but he called on midwives, doctors and health boards to improve their connections to ensure pregnant women received the highest quality care.

The money would be allocated through the Section 88 Maternity Notice, which is the contract through which the Government pays for primary maternity services.

- NZPA