For the month of August, Grey Base Hospital will offer all its usual range of Obstetric and Gynaecological services with West Coast DHB specialist staff and regular locums providing cover.
In September, the lack of either full-time or locum specialist O&G staff will result in the arrangements from July that saw the Canterbury DHB assisting by providing services in Christchurch also applying until we can access full-time specialist cover. Expectant mothers who are assessed as high risk will be asked to relocate to Christchurch 2 weeks prior to their due date during this time.
At this stage the West Coast DHB can only confirm specialist coverage on weekends in September. This will enable gynaecology clinics to run and give emergency obstetric cover for the weekends should the need arise.
Midwives will continue to provide initial assessments for any women identified as higher risk before they transfer in liaison with the O&G services at Christchurch Women's Hospital. All other women will continue to receive maternity care as usual.
Recruitment efforts for full-time specialist staff and long-term locums are continuing, however this will not resolve the immediate issue due to the delay before any appointed staff are able to commence at the West Coast DHB.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: