Media release:
More maternity funding for new parents
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Health for funding to support
new mothers and the acknowledgement of the need for funding in response to the increase in the NZ birth rate.
“Current facilities and care models are geared toward shorter stays. Capacity is a real issue, as there is limited bed
availability in tertiary centres in particular and considerable stress on the midwives and other health professionals
working in them. NZNO considers that in order to be able to adequately support new mothers and offer an increased length
of stay for those who would benefit from this, a variety of strategies will need to be utilised. Effective use of
primary maternity units and their capacity for this additional service is essential if the over-stretched maternity
services are to cope with the lengthened day stay,”NZNO professional nursing advisor, Kate Weston said.
The funding of Plunketline is also welcomed, as the benefits of this service improve health outcomes for
children/tamariki and provide an excellent support for new parents who have concerns about their baby or child.
ENDS