Editorial: Not so family friendly

Editorial

There appears to be an almost unanimous view that Wanganui Hospital's problems in attracting permanent obstetricians and gynaecologists are not unique to our city, but are reflective of a much larger issue.

That may be so, but regardless, it seems more than ludicrous that the only possible solution at this point is seemingly to send any mums-to-be that require specialist obstetrics and gynaecological care to Palmerston North.

The plan, being considered by the Whanganui District Health Board, would see about half of Wanganui's expectant mothers having to travel to Palmerston North to give birth. It's thought about 400 people would be directly affected.

While the plan is designed to help overcome recruitment difficulties, surely simply raising the white flag and making things more difficult for patients, the people that really matter, can't be seen as a viable alternative?

Even the use of locums, who have been turned to in the past, is now considered out of the question, as senior staff are concerned about compromising public safety.

Wanganui both prides and markets itself on being a family-friendly city.

Our relatively low housing prices, recreational facilities and schools are a lure to young couples, looking to set up home and bring up children.

But this will all be put at risk if this proposal goes ahead.

After all, how many young families would want to move to a city with limited facilities for expectant mothers?

Ironically, you would like to think those same lifestyle qualities would help attract medical professionals to Wanganui. For whatever reason, that doesn't appear to be the case.

The plan has echoes of the centralisation policies that have already prompted job losses and hurt the local economy and community morale. Were this proposal to go ahead, it would simply be another kick in the guts.

Members of the Whanganui District Health Board and Palmerston North's MidCentral District Health Board are being asked to support the proposal in principle, to allow public feedback to be received before a final decision is made.

Cynics may suggest this is already a done deal which can't be stopped, but that's no reason for the Wanganui community not to try.

Yes, there's a problem, and there's obviously no easy solution. But that's no reason to just give up and throw out the baby with the bath water.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz