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.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
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? 🤔
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72.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.7% Hmm, maybe?
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9.7% Yes!
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
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?
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53% Yes
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47% No
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