Dr Paul Hutchison National Associate Health Spokesperson
23 June 2002
General Practice obstetricians nearing extinction
It is a tragedy that the Labour-Alliance Government is presiding over the rapid extinction of the family
doctor-obstetrician, says National Associate Health Spokesperson Dr Paul Hutchison.
"New Zealand is heading towards having almost no general practice obstetricians in both the urban and rural areas and
that will lead to serious gaps in choice of care.
"The 1999 Maternity Review advocated team work between doctors and midwives as well as choice of care for the public.
"For true continuity of care it would be ideal to have GP obstetricians working alongside midwives, but GP obstetricians
are giving up in despair because this Government has failed to recognise the skills and qualifications medical graduates
have.
"The Government should recognise that general practitioners and general practice obstetricians have a key role in the
care of mothers, families and children and they should be rewarded accordingly," Dr Hutchison said.
ENDS