Senior Health Leader Acknowledges Challenging Eight Months For Eastern Bay Mothers

Senior leaders from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora are meeting with Eastern Bay communities this week, providing updates on their progress toward restoring secondary maternity services at Whakatāne Hospital.

The first of three community hui was held at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall last night (21st October), led by Te Manawa Taki Executive Regional Director, Cath Cronin.

Further meetings are scheduled for Kawerau tonight (22nd October) and Ōpōtiki tomorrow (23rd October).

Speaking to Whakatāne residents, Cronin acknowledged the challenges of the past eight months and reaffirmed that secondary obstetric and gynaecology services are on track to return by March–April 2026.

She outlined their successful recent recruitment progress, which includes the appointment of four senior medical officers (SMOs) from overseas.

“One specialist doctor has been working since May, and the others are arriving this month and in January,” Cronin said. “The specialist has already started some gynaecology clinics and day cases at Whakatāne.”

Discussions are also underway with a fifth and final SMO to complete the team needed for the full restoration of services.

“We know the return of secondary obstetric and gynaecology services means a great deal to the community — particularly for women who will birth again at Whakatāne Hospital,” Cronin said. “We want to reassure patients seeking maternity services locally that the safety of our whānau and pēpi remains a top priority.”

Other senior hospital leaders also shared updates on staffing, community engagement, and ongoing efforts to improve timely access to care across both hospital and community services.

The next hui will be held at Kawerau Town Hall tonight from 6pm to 7.30pm, followed by Ōpōtiki’s Memorial Park Pavilion at the same time tomorrow evening.