The reported deaths of two newborns in Wellington has prompted an independent review of the region's maternity services.
One baby died last weekend at one of three birthing units run by Capital and Coast District Health Board, Radio New Zealand reported. It followed another death some months ago.
Announcing the review, Health Minister David Cunliffe said his office was concerned at the way the board and maternity providers had worked together in a number of cases.
Mr Cunliffe said the DHB was unable to fully investigate the actions of independent midwives who worked at the board's facilities but were not employed by the hospital.
"There needs to be clarity around the roles and responsibilities of those involved in maternity services in order to ensure women and their children are receiving the best possible care."
He wants to see a report into a "sentinel event" - a death or an incident that resulted in serious harm - fast tracked.
The review will be conducted by an independent panel of advisors and will report to the head of Health Ministry. It will focus on the relationship between Capital and Coast District Health Board and what is known as referring providers.
They are largely independent midwives who come into hospital facilities, such as birthing units, in their role as lead maternity carers.
Capital and Coast DHB said it hoped the review would clarify how boards could investigate cases where maternity carers were not employed by, or contracted to, the board concerned.
It is three years since Wellington coroner called for a review into maternity services and better supervision of new midwives after two Wellington babies died following breech births at home.
Mr Evans criticised the midwives in both cases and said he believed there was a deeper, systemic problems in maternity care.
The review is expected to be completed in six weeks.
- NZPA
