Some pregnant women on the West Coast of the South Island may need to relocate to Christchurch, because only limited specialist obstetric and gynaecology cover will be available for the next month.
West Coast District Health Board (DHB) advised today that only limited cover would be available due to staffing shortages.
The DHB said arrangements had been made with the Canterbury DHB to provide services in Christchurch for maternity patients at high risk of complications.
Those obstetric patients at high-risk of complications may need to relocate to Christchurch.
Women with no history of a higher than normal risk could choose whether to deliver on the West Coast as normal or to travel to Christchurch.
The DHB said the disruptions were due to tight staffing because of a shortage of New Zealand registered specialists and locums and warned there may be further disruptions from time to time.
