Staffing issues led to temporary maternity change at Dunedin Hospital
A temporary measure to provide maternity care due to critical staffing shortages at Dunedin's Queen Mary Maternity Ward is now over.
The shortage happened between January 7 and 10, prompting the Southern District Health Board (DHB) to close part of the maternity ward and care for parents and babies in another part of the hospital, called a Maternity Pod Annex.
That ended on Monday morning, when the maternity ward returned to its usual settings.
It was the first time the Southern DHB had used a Maternity Pod Annex as a temporary solution to a staffing shortage.
Midwifery director Karen Ferracioli said the strategy had been successfully relied upon elsewhere in New Zealand previously.
The DHB was confident it could operate again at short notice, if required, she said.
Staffing challenges were not unique to the Southern DHB, nor to just Dunedin, Ferracioli said.
"Southland Hospital has similarly been experiencing staffing shortages in maternity care, and our team there have been working hard to ensure parents and babies are receiving the care they need."
Southern DHB remained committed to providing excellent care for all families throughout the region who need to use maternity services, she said.
It was also supporting staff working with other national organisations on the challenges facing the sector across the country.
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
-
65.5% Yes
-
32% No
-
2.5% Other - I'll share below
Floor show
Spruce up your outdoor area for spring soirées in the sun with a simple but stylish rug you can personalise with your own design using your favourite Resene colours.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Loading…
