Maternity Services Expected To Be Restored In Whakatāne By March/April 2026
- Jessica Doney
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Health New Zealand has taken another step toward to restoring secondary obstetrics and gynaecology services in Whakatāne.
The service is now expected to return to Whakatāne by March/April 2026.
The hospital's maternity unit was downgraded to a primary birthing facility in January due to long-running, specialist workforce challenges. It meant all births requiring assistance were required to take place at Tauranga Hospital.
Health New Zealand says it has made significant efforts to attract more senior doctors to the district, aiming to restore local obstetrics and gynaecology services.
“This is positive news for patients and expectant mothers in the district,” Cath Cronin, Health New Zealand Executive Regional Director Te Manawa Taki, says.
“In obstetrics and gynaecology, three senior medical officers from overseas have accepted offers, with one already arrived and begun the Medical Council of New Zealand’s required supervision period at Tauranga Hospital. The specialist doctor has started doing some gynaecology clinics and day cases at Whakatāne,” Cronin says.
“The other senior medical officers are expected to start later this year and in the new year and we continue to recruit and interview for a fifth SMO.”
It comes as the Ko Matariki Maternity Unit welcomed new midwife manager Lou McInnes last week, who will lead the team with clinical expertise, guidance, and management.
“Lou has come from Auckland City Hospital and has an extensive background in clinical and educational leadership positions and has worked in a variety of maternity care settings,” Cronin says.
“In the meantime, we want to reassure patients seeking maternity services locally that the safety of our whānau and pepi (babies) remain a top priority,"
“There is robust escalation planning underway to help manage short-term pressures and ensure the continued delivery of safe care until the full restoration of services next year,” Cronin says.
“The focus remains on continuing recruitment, strengthening our rosters, and effectively managing resources so that Whakatāne Hospital can be responsive to the needs of our community.”
