Maternity centre ‘no certainty’

A decision on the Lumsden Maternity Centre should be known by the end of May.

Despite the Budget giving district health boards across the country an extra $2.2 billion over four years, it is unknown if money in from the Budget would have an impact on the Lumsden Maternity Centre, which is under a proposal to be downgraded from a birthing centre.

Southern District Health Board chief executive Chris Fleming, in a statement said, ‘‘additional funding in health is always welcome and this budget directs resources to areas we know are under pressure, which will be significantly appreciated.

‘‘The budget also recognises the pressure midwifery community has been under, and will make a difference to ensuring the sustainability of this important workforce.’’

However, no further statement would be given regarding the future of the Lumsden Maternity Centre until the end of the month.

The board has proposed to downgrade the Lumsden Maternity Centre from an inpatient primary birthing unit to a ‘‘maternal and child hub’’ with no birthing facilities and fewer postnatal care options.

In the budget, communitybased midwives will receive an 8.9 per cent ‘‘catch-up’’ increase in their fees, around $4.5 million this financial year, to close the pay gap between them and their DHB-employed colleagues.

The move is part of $112.6m over five years for maternity services.