We heard a range of very important perspectives from our community and we acknowledge the importance of quality maternity care and choice for women and whānau across the Hutt Valley region.
We would also like to acknowledge Te Awakairangi Birthing Centre’s contribution and for their engagement with us to date.
The Board has agreed to maintain the current position on investment in the primary birthing centre.
Hutt Hospital provides primary birthing and it is the view of the Board and the DHB that the strategy to develop this service further, and improve equitable outcomes for our population, is paramount.
Investment in a second primary birthing facility in the Hutt Valley, would be at an additional cost to the DHB and would place additional pressure on the current midwifery workforce. Hutt Hospital has the capacity to continue providing care for women and parents across the Hutt Valley region.
The choice in place of birth for women and their whanāu is important and it is clear that our community values primary birthing options, alongside secondary care.
The significant project to upgrade our maternity and neonatal facilities over the next two years is underway. This will provide modern and designated functional spaces, an environment that reflects a person’s journey, culturally responsive design and whānau inclusive spaces. The redesign is well underway and will be completed by the end of 2023.
We know that the physical environment is only part of the equation. Wider work is underway on community-based models of care with a focus on equity. Our DHBs have been investing in community midwifery teams in Porirua and Hutt Valley and high quality antenatal care that reflects the needs of our communities. We are also optimising our current primary birthing facilities across the region to improve capability, capacity and sustainability, in partnership with our community providers.
Additional information on birthing in Hutt Valley
Women can choose to give birth at any maternity facility that has a contract with a DHB, or in another facility where their chosen independent lead maternity carer (LMC) holds an access agreement.
Across the region there are five maternity facilities—Hutt Hospital, Kapiti Health Centre, Kenepuru Hospital, Wellington Regional Hospital and Wairararpa Hospital. Both primary and secondary services are provided at Hutt Hospital, and tertiary birthing services (all levels of service) are provided by Wellington Regional Hospital.
Hutt Hospital’s delivery suite consists of eight birthing rooms. The delivery suite is staffed by core midwives providing midwifery care for primary and secondary women, as well as those women under the care of a private obstetrician. The midwives provide emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week and support independent Lead Maternity Care (LMC) midwives as required. Medical staff are rostered on an on-call system 24 hours a day.
Our dedicated and incredible staff provide quality and safe care around the clock to our wonderful new parents and their pēpē. This will not change as we continue to provide primary and secondary care for our region.
You can find more information on the maternity redevelopment progress here.
