1429 days ago

Staffing issues led to temporary maternity change at Dunedin Hospital

Nicole Reporter from Dunedin News

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.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

Image
Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.2% Complete
  • 17.3% Hmm, maybe?
    17.3% Complete
  • 10.5% Yes!
    10.5% Complete
352 votes
15 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

Image
7 days ago

A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these 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.

Image