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Midwives "Very Pleased" Burwood Birthing Unit Re-opening

Thursday 7 April 2016, 2:54PM

By RedPR

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CHRISTCHURCH

 

Statement from Rose Barker, Canterbury/Westland Region Spokesperson

“The New Zealand College of Midwives Canterbury/ West Coast Region is very pleased that the Burwood Birthing Unit is to reopen.

Our member midwives acknowledge that despite Burwood reopening only until the end of June, it will provide some time for women and their families to plan for births and postnatal care. It will also allow time for hospital and community based Midwives to have further discussions with the CDHB and ensure that plans are made for primary birthing options for the future – both immediate and long term.

The Burwood Unit is an essential service for women and their families, particularly those in the east of Christchurch, an area hard hit by Christchurch’s earthquakes.

Primary Units are a key service and option for pregnant women as part of their maternity experience. Midwives of course are trained and experienced to work in any area of maternity care, however skills specific to primary birthing and care are best supported and fostered by being able to work in a primary birthing environment. This is an important consideration as we discuss and plan for the future of primary birthing unit in the east of Christchurch.

Another important consideration is the increased pressure on the maternity services at Christchurch Women’s Hospital, as women who would have gone to a primary birthing unit close to the city (Burwood) head to Christchurch Women’s instead.

We do acknowledge the difficulties the CDHB has had, since the earthquakes, in relocating so many departments, wards and staff across their service, as they undertake a significant redevelopment.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with the CDHB to ensure that women, babies and families in Christchurch have access to safe maternity services including a primary birthing unit in east Christchurch.