Maternity ward closed

Auckland: One of Auckland City Hospital’s five maternity wards is closed temporarily due to staffing shortages.

Ward 96, a 21bed highrisk antenatal and postnatal obstetric care ward, has been out of action since October 22, Auckland District Health Board provider services director Joanne Gibbs confirmed.

She said the Auckland DHB had been affected by the current shortage of midwives despite having the resourcing to employ more.

‘‘There are not enough midwives available nationally or internationally to fill our vacancies at this time. — NZME