Health New Zealand won’t proceed with cutting Wellington Hospital maternity and gynaecology beds

Health NZ confirmed the proposed trial would no longer go ahead at Wellington Regional Hospital. Photo / Mark Mitchell

By RNZ

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has decided not to proceed with a proposed trial that was going to cut 12 maternity and gynaecology beds at Wellington Regional Hospital.

The trial was aimed at making more room for patients from the overcrowded emergency department, according to a leaked memo.

But after an emotional meeting on Monday with staff, who felt blindsided by the proposal, Health NZ has backtracked, saying it understands the importance of these services to women and families across the region.

“After careful consideration of feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, the proposal will not continue.

“Health New Zealand remains committed to optimising the use of all available beds across our facilities, particularly during peak periods when demand increases significantly,” Coast and Hutt Valley group director of operations Jamie Duncan said.

It comes after midwives, doctors and nurses begged Health NZ to abandon its proposal, which was for a four-month trial beginning in August that would reallocate 12 beds to create a medical ward for emergency department patients.

Health NZ previously said occupancy figures showed maternity often had unused beds; however, staff disputed that, saying the wards are often at capacity.

On Tuesday afternoon, Health NZ said it will continue to work with staff and clinical leaders to explore sustainable ways to enhance patient flow and improve access to timely care for all patients, while ensuring the specialised support that maternity and gynaecology services require.

“Patients are at the centre of every decision we make. We will continue to work closely with our clinical leaders and teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for women accessing maternity and gynaecology care,” Duncan said.

– RNZ