An 'invitation only' meeting was held last Wednesday in which the Taranaki District Health Board (TDHB) began discussions on the potential of creating a child and maternal hub.
The idea of the hub was first mentioned two months ago, when the TDHB's decision to keep the Stratford Maternity facility closed was announced. At that time, the board stated it would explore the option of developing a child and maternal hub in the district.
Six weeks after mayor Neil Volzke contacted the TDHB asking when the discussions would start, the first meeting was held.
The Stratford Press understands that a number of senior health professionals were present at the meeting along with a number of people from various stakeholder groups and other health professionals and district councillors making a total group of around 20 people.
Neil says the discussion included some "positive ideas and a wide range of views," when it came to defining what a child and maternal hub might actually mean and the services it could include, and they are now waiting for the TDHB to collate the information gathered before having another discussion to firm up some of the ideas. This next meeting will take place on Thursday, June 18 to progress next steps, review notes and draft project documentation, says Becky Jenkins, Taranaki DHB general manager of planning, funding and population health.
