Secondary obstetrics and gynaecology services will resume at Whakatāne Hospital from April 13, restoring 24-hour specialist care to the Eastern Bay after more than a year of reduced services.

The hospital’s O&G department was downgraded to a primary birthing unit in January 2025 following the loss of several obstetricians, resulting in many women having to travel out of the district for specialist care.

Community concern over the downgrade prompted the Ministry of Health to assemble a response team led by Cath Cronin, pictured, executive regional director for the Midlands Region, tasked with rebuilding the service.

Ms Cronin said she was pleased to confirm that secondary O&G care would recommence next month.

“I especially want to acknowledge our hapū māmā and whānau,” she said.

“Thank you for your understanding while we worked to strengthen the service and rebuild the team.

“We know this hasn’t been easy, particularly for mothers who had to travel often long distances from home at such an important time in your lives.”

From 8am on Monday, April 13, specialist care will once again be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Three permanent senior medical officers are now in place, with a fourth due to join the unit shortly. The roster will also be supported by the Tauranga team and experienced locum specialists familiar with Whakatāne Hospital.

“They will work alongside the general maternity and specialised Whakatāne clinical hospital and community teams to ensure care is well coordinated and locally supported,” Ms Cronin said.

The reinstatement has been welcomed by East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick, who described it as a significant win for the region.

“This service has been incredibly important for the entire community,” Ms Kirkpatrick said. “Having it reinstated means local women and whānau can receive critical care without leaving their support networks behind.

“The return of 24-hour, seven-day-a-week coverage once again gives families reliable access to specialist support close to home.”

Ms Cronin also confirmed the permanent appointment of Jenny Martelli as general manager, after she had been serving in the role on an interim basis.

She acknowledged the efforts of staff at Whakatāne and Tauranga hospitals, singling out medical lead for obstetrics and gynaecology Katy Culliney and district chief midwife Sarah Nicholson for their leadership during the transition period.

Ms Kirkpatrick thanked Health New Zealand and the wider community for their advocacy and patience.

“This is a real win for our region’s health services as it will deliver positive and tangible benefits for the wellbeing of local women and whānau.”