Lamenting plans for our ‘unique’ maternity base

FOLLOWING your story (ODT, 6.11.20) about Alexandra mother Helen Ryan and her family, all of whom were supported closely around their births at Charlotte Jean, I wanted to share my own thoughts on the closing of this unique place.

The DHB’s decision to start a unit within Dunstan Hospital, in lieu of Charlotte Jean in Ventry St, does not represent a replacement of the service.

In truth, it flies in the face of current evidence from studies internationally following birth outcomes within birthing units versus a hospital environment.

Birth is a natural process and is supported best in an environment as close as possible to the mother’s home.

It was seldom appreciated by the local community that this multiaward winning unit was the envy of midwives in the likes of Wellington, who have only recently acquired their own LMCled birthing facility.

Evelyn Skinner

Clyde

PHOTO: JARED MORGAN Helen Ryan with her five children, all but one of whom received care at Charlotte Jean Maternity Hospital in Alexandra.