Whakatāne Maternity Ward Restores Obstetrics and Gynaecology Care

Obstetrics and gynaecology services have returned to the Whakatāne Hospital maternity ward after a 15-month absence.

Since January 2025, the hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department had operated as a primary birthing unit, meaning obstetric services were unavailable.

The return of this higher level of care means most births — excluding high-risk cases — can now take place in the ward.

District Chief Midwife for the Bay of Plenty, Sarah Nicholson, said staff are excited to have the service restored. 

"Talking to the staff, they're actually pretty excited and ready to move on and be busy again."

"The services that mothers need — epidurals, inductions of labour, and caesarean sections — will now be available in Whakatāne." 

Mothers have been booking caeserians sections for the reopened ward months in advance, while others have been planning care with their midwives.

With services now restored, Nicholson is reminding parents to think about arrival plans at the hospital. 

"Often we have dads doing a little drive-by to check they know where they're going when they need to."

"At this time, it's thinking about parking. The entrance to the maternity unit is on Stewart Street, so separate from the main emergency department."

The unit is operational 24/7, and anyone concerned is encouraged to contact their midwife or call the maternity unit directly.

Staff have spent recent weeks preparing equipment and processes, while also supporting new doctors joining the service.

Prior to opening, new staff worked in Tauranga Hospital for several weeks before transferring to Whakatāne.

Recruited from across the globe, efforts have also been made to help staff settle into the community.

"They got to meet their partners and their children, and so we're doing all we can to support them and make sure they're getting what they need for that wider integration into Whakatāne, as well as here at the hospital."

Daily huddles are planned to ensure all staff are managing clinical and operational processes.  

For the first few weeks, the roster will be boosted by staff from the Tauranga obstetrics and gynaecology unit.

"We've got obstetricians who are usually based in Tauranga who will be on site in Whakatāne for those first few weeks to support our new doctors and their processes."

"We've also got a midwife clinical coach from Tauranga who will be over daily to support the midwifery team."

She said teamwork across services will be key to ensuring a smooth transition as full care resumes.