“Extra funding will not solve workforce issues” says College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

“The extra funding for maternity care announced by the Minister of Health last week will not solve the workforce problems in maternity” say Dr Alec Ekeroma, Chairman of the NZ branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

The $11.4 million from existing funds will be allocated through the Section 88 Maternity Notice and this is meant to promote recruitment and retention of Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs). The Minister also called for integration between services and professional groups so as to maximise services to women.

“There has been no increase in funding to LMCs for the past 12 years as the increase two years ago was way below inflation for the period. Therefore, on the face of it, this increased funding for LMCs is welcomed. However, the funding is unlikely to increase the number of GP LMCs after years of de-skilling and will in effect cause resentment and possible denudation of the midwifery workforce from hospitals where there is already a large shortage of midwifes,’ according to Dr Ekeroma. The funding targets only primary care whereas midwifes and specialists in secondary care are expected to continue to care for high risk women.

“Further the principle of women’s choice respected in the Maternity Notice has been eroded by the removal of funding for private specialists providing backup for LMCs, whether the specialist is an obstetrician, paediatrician or anaesthetist. The Ministry has to be upfront with the women of NZ and declare that choice is expensive and that they will have to pay for their choice themselves,” said Dr Ekeroma today.

ENDS

© Scoop Media