Aotearoa New Zealand’s new health system with a national focus of Te Whatu Ora and equity focus of Te Aka Whai Ora provides a critical opportunity to make a genuine difference to maternity outcomes, according to RANZCOG.

The leading body for obstetrics and gynaecology and women’s health in Aotearoa New Zealand made the declaration following the release of the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Committee’s (the PMMRC) latest report.

Dr Susan Fleming, Chair Te Kāhui Oranga ō Nuku, said: The PMMRC reports play an important role in highlighting issues in maternity care and providing recommendations for improvements.  At this time of great change in our health system it is even more important that there are mechanisms for seeing the impact of change on outcomes, especially for priority groups.

“It is positive that maternity is a specific focus in Te Pae Tata Interim New Zealand Health Plan priority area of Kahu Taurima – Maternity and early years.  There is much work and investment required in this area to bring about better outcomes for all.”

On the PMMRC, Dr Fleming said the organisation’s future is “uncertain” with the establishment of a single mortality review function. “RANZCOG views it as vital that maternity remain a priority and that the specific maternity focus of PMMRC continues under the new mortality review function,” Dr Fleming said. “Maternity expertise must be on the overarching mortality review committee and maternity data collection must continue.”

RANZCOG calls for outstanding recommendations made in the PMMRC’s latest report and previous reports to be addressed as a priority.

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