From 1 July until 4 August 2008, the WCDHB will not have O&G specialists on site. This situation is caused by a combination of existing commitments, illness and no locum cover being available.
Arrangements have been made with Canterbury DHB who have offered to assist by providing services in Christchurch. Expectant mothers who are assessed as high risk will be asked to relocate to Christchurch 2 weeks prior to their due date.
Those patients affected will already have been advised by their Lead Maternity Carer.
Reasonable travel and accommodation costs will be met by the West Coast DHB.
The DHB will have ongoing issues with staffing this service due to a shortage of New Zealand registered specialists. We are actively working with other DHBs to ensure that this service is placed in a more clinically sustainable position.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone: (03) 769-0499, Extn 2665#
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: