Doctor recruited for Whakatāne Hospital quits before he starts role

Whakatāne Hospital has been recruiting for more obstetrician-gynaecologists. Photo / RNZ

By Ruth Hill of RNZ

A senior obstetrician who was recruited from overseas as part of the effort to restart services at Whakatāne Hospital has quit during his orientation period.

Hundreds of women from Eastern Bay of Plenty have had to travel to Tauranga Hospital to give birth in the last year, since four of Whakatāne’s five obstetricians resigned.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora declined to confirm the recent resignation, saying it was “not able to comment on specific recruitment processes” – but stated it was “on track for the recommencement of 24/7 services in the coming months”.

Meanwhile, three other new obstetrician-gynaecologists were welcomed at a pōwhiri at Whakatāne on Monday January 19, and RNZ understands recruitment continues for two more positions.

In a written response to questions, Andrew Boyd, group director of operations for Bay of Plenty, said there had been “good progress with international recruitment”.

“We are prioritising the recruitment of senior medical officers to Whakatāne Hospital to support the recommencement of secondary obstetrics and gynaecology services into the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

“Our focus remains on achieving the best possible outcomes for patients, including mothers and their whānau.”

Health NZ held a community hui late last year in Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki, with “constructive” discussions on the future of obstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatāne Hospital, Boyd said.

“We thank the community for its patience, feedback, and continued support as we strengthen these vital hospital services.”

Uncertainty ‘frustrating’ – midwives

Community midwives said the sudden resignation of the specialist in December – after less than six months’ orientation at Tauranga Hospital – was worrying.

One local midwife, who asked to remain anonymous, said the doctor had been introduced as the person recruited to lead the service at his welcome party at Whakatāne maternity unit in November.

“As usual, communication has been poor and we do not know why he felt he could no longer continue in his role, after previously appearing highly motivated and keen to get started,” she said.

“You can appreciate the frustration this has caused to many hopeful for our obstetric services to be reinstated by March and the uncertainty surrounding a replacement for him.”

Another midwife said three new obstetrician-gynaecologists had been welcomed.

“There are two more being recruited and they are on track for an April commencement of full services.

“[But it] depends on the recruitment and if they can hold these new ones.”

RNZ understands Health NZ’s regional director for Midland Te Manawa Taki, Cath Cronin, stipulated the Eastern Bay Plenty service must be re-established in April.

However, some Tauranga Hospital staff fear specialists may be required to help cover Whakatāne, if it was not fully staffed by then, putting more pressure on their own services.

- RNZ