A Stuff article.
A “significant” shortage of midwives in Southland has prompted concerns over the safety of mothers and babies.
In a report to the board, Southern District Health Board chief executive Chris Fleming said there was often only one midwife on duty at Southland Hospital, supported by registered nurses.
Expectant mums sometimes had to be diverted and the Clinical Midwifery Manager often had to manage a full clinical load, Fleming wrote in the report, which will be tabled next week.