RANZCOG, the leading body for obstetrics and gynaecology and women’s health in Aotearoa New Zealand, welcomes the release of Te Pae Tata Interim New Zealand Health Plan.

Te Kāhui Oranga ō Nuku Chair Dr Susan Fleming said it was pleasing to see a strong focus on people and whānau at the centre “and, in particular, Kahu Taurima which focuses on maternity and the early years”.

“The health and wellbeing of future generations starts with the maternity care received before birth,” Dr Fleming said. “Aotearoa New Zealand has led the world in midwifery care but our maternity system and the people who provide services are struggling. It is time to rethink maternity care in Aotearoa and to develop a system that will support seamless and collaborative care from midwives and obstetricians for women and whanau.”

With the interim health plan signalling changes to the maternity system, Dr Fleming said RANZCOG would welcome the opportunity to work with the midwifery profession and Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora “to create a system that is more flexible and responsive and puts women and whanau at the centre”.

RANZCOG is also pleased to see a much-needed focus on strengthening and supporting the health workforce and improving the experience of the healthcare workforce, including a focus on developing and inclusive leadership and culture.  “RANZCOG’s work in this area suggests there is much to be done,” Dr Fleming said.

The health needs of women are broader though, than just maternity care. RANZCOG recently hosted Flourish 2022 Women+ Health Summit, bringing together 100 people from across government, community and healthcare, to talk about priorities and opportunities across all aspects of women’s health, in preparation for the government’s development of a national Women’s Health Strategy. A comprehensive, action-focused and resourced Women’s Health Strategy, that addresses all the unique health needs women face, is vital for the wellbeing of women and their whanau.

For media enquiries

Catherine Cooper
Head of Aotearoa New Zealand Office
021 137 0748
ccooper@ranzcog.org.nz

t 61 3 9417 1699
e media@ranzcog.edu.au