Health New Zealand offers increased community-based maternity services in Southern district

Health New Zealand has extended its community-based maternity services in the Southern district, with antenatal and postnatal clinics now available at the recently opened Te Kāika Wellbeing Hub.

Obstetrics-led antenatal clinics had been operating on a trial basis at the wellbeing hub in the Dunedin suburb of Caversham since it opened in May this year, providing services for around 9-12 people per week. However, since November 1, this has increased to 6-8 clinics – providing services for an average of about 50 people – each week.

Midwifery-led antenatal and postnatal clinics are also now available at Te Kāika, with the first of these clinics delivered on November 18. Four weekly clinics have been delivered so far, each providing antenatal services, with two more scheduled before the end of the year. Each clinic caters for six people, meaning 36 people will have used the service by the end of December.

Health New Zealand Southern Director of Midwifery Karen Ferraccioli says the community-based clinics offer greater flexibility for pregnant people whose medical needs can be met outside of a hospital environment.

“These clinics are the same as those offered at Dunedin Hospital and delivered by the same staff members,” Ferraccioli says.

“Feedback so far from whānau who have been cared for at Te Kāika is that they have appreciated the beautiful new space, including how quiet it is, and how much easier it is to park there and get to in general.”

In Dunedin, maternity care is predominantly delivered at the Queen Mary Maternity Ward in the main ward block of the Dunedin Hospital. It is delivered by hospital staff (midwifes, doctors, and nurses), and Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs), who provide care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatally.

If members of the community cannot find an available Lead Maternity Carer due to the midwifery shortage affecting New Zealand, they are referred to the district’s outreach midwifery team, which is currently co-located at the Queen Mary Maternity Ward.

Ferraccioli says providing community-based clinics at Te Kāika will improve access and equity for pregnant people in the Southern district.

“This is part of our efforts to enhance the antenatal and postnatal environment for our whānau by looking after them in the community rather than in a hospital setting.”

Te Kāika was founded by Ōtākou Health Limited, a charity with a vision to bring low-cost healthcare and social services to Dunedin’s most vulnerable residents. The Te Kāika wellbeing hub is occupied by Ōtākou Health Limited, Health New Zealand, and the Ministry of Social Development.

Te Kāika provides a holistic healthcare approach and delivers a broad range of low-cost services including medical care, dental treatment, physiotherapy, outreach social services, exercise programmes, and appointments with Ministry of Social Development caseworkers.

Te Kāika Acting Chief Executive Matt Matahaere says the ability to provide services in the community was always a driver for the wellbeing hub.

“To see the success of this kaupapa speaks volumes to the commitment of Health New Zealand to partner with Te Kāika.

“This is more than bricks and mortar; this is a long-term commitment to move services from a tertiary environment back into community.”