Te Kuiti Maternity Centre
Te Kūiti’s Maternity Resource Centre could be closed depending on the outcome of a review.
If so, it would be a great loss to the community, former centre manager, Nikki Taylor told The News.
Located on Carroll Street, close to Te Kūiti Hospital, the centre is a health hub for pregnant women, new mums and their babies.
Taylor resigned in August to pursue another career opportunity.
“While working out my notice, I was told at a meeting with Health NZ (Te Whatu Ora) that my role wouldn’t be filled,” she said. “They haven’t said they’re definitely closing the centre, but they’ve severely reduced opening hours – I also used to work on Mondays and Fridays – I think the writing’s on the wall.”
The centre houses health services, including Plunket, vision and hearing tests, immunisation and links to, or referrals for, other resources and support, such as perinatal mental health programmes. It also includes rooms where midwives can meet with clients.
“If the community loses this centre, there would be no one-stop-shop for pregnant women and new mums in Te Kūiti,” Taylor said. “Services would still be available but not all in one place. For example, people won’t be able to see their midwife and have their child’s hearing checked during one visit.”
Taylor had managed the centre since it opened in February 2019. It was intended to cover some services no longer offered at Te Kūiti Hospital due to the closure of its birthing unit.
At the time, the centre was expected to be the first of its kind – two other centres were planned for Taumarunui and Tokoroa but they never opened.
In response to initial enquiries by The News, Health NZ’s Stephanie Doe said a review regarding the Te Kūiti Maternity Resource Centre was underway.
“We are currently reviewing the centre to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community. This includes considering whether it is fit for purpose or if relocating some services could improve integration and access.
“Our focus is on how best to deliver care in ways that are accessible, co-ordinated and responsive to whānau.”
Community consultation will be sought and consideration given to services offered elsewhere in Te Kūiti, the group director of operations, Waikato, said.
The review is expected to be completed in early November.
“To support the process, we are arranging a fixed-term appointment of a centre co-ordinator,” Doe said.
“No services will be lost as part of this review, but it must be completed before any decisions are made about the centre’s future.”
Until then at least, the centre will be open Tuesdays to Thursdays, 9am to 3pm, she said.
Questions were also raised at the recent Rural Health Roadshow event in Te Kūiti, Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger said.
“Health NZ is having conversations about how they’re going to work it through. We need constructive answers because anything less is not good enough.”
Reduced hours and potential closure have met with the ire of at least one more healthcare professional.
Te Kūiti’s Maternity Resource Centre
