Summarised by Centrist
Midwives are alarmed by Health NZ’s proposal to cut nearly all maternity support roles, including disbanding the Starting Well programme. “It’s an expedient way to cut jobs without real care,” said Alison Eddy, NZ College of Midwives CEO. Health NZ cites financial deficits as a driver but plans to merge maternity with older persons’ services, sparking widespread concern.