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January 28, 2016 at 2:42 PM

Primary Birthing Unit Consultation

Waitemata District Health Board (DHB) currently has primary birthing units in Helensville, Warkworth and Wellsford and is considering opening a new primary birthing unit in West Auckland, followed by one on the North Shore. Community support is a key factor in whether a unit is well used or not, so the DHB is holding a public consultation to hear what communities, individuals and health professionals think.

How to have your say
This consultation is important to help the DHB understand where a primary birthing unit should be located, what facilities should be there and how the unit should be managed. It will help us understand what would encourage the community to use the unit.

As part of the consultation, there will be community events, an online survey and information available in a wide range of places. Where possible, the DHB will provide a speaker on request to talk with community groups or networks.
Events - all events are open to anyone from the community but please let us know if you are attending so that we can make sure the venues and refreshments are appropriate and interpreters provided where requested.

YOUR FEEDBACK IS VALUABLE

Attend a meeting:

• Pacific focused community event: Sat 13 Feb 10-12noon at Kelston Community Hall
• Asian focused community event: Sat 20 Feb 10-12noon at Kelston Community Hall
• General community event: Wed 24 Feb 10-12 at Ranui Baptist Church
• General community event: Sat 20 Feb 10-12noon at Northcote Netball Centre
• Maori focused community event: Mon 22 Feb 1-3pm at Birkdale Community Hall
• General community event: Wed 24 Feb 10-12noon at Ranui Baptist Church
• Asian focused community event: Sat 27 Feb 10-12noon at St John Centre, Takapuna

Complete an online survey go to : www.healthvoice.org.nz and click on the ‘Have your say on Primary Birthing Units’. Survey will only take 5-10 minutes.

For more information visit www.healthvoice.org.nz

If you have an queries email: engagement@waitematadhb.govt.nz

Consultation closes 29 February 2016

What is a primary birthing unit?
Primary birthing units are places where healthy women with no complications can give birth, then stay for a day or two afterwards. They are staffed by midwives and have a relaxed homely feel. They are family friendly and partners are often able to stay overnight. Research says that giving birth in a primary birthing unit is safe for women with no complications. Primary birthing units have all the necessary equipment for normal birth. Women transfer to a hospital if they need epidurals or caesareans. Primary birthing units are free to all women eligible for publically funded healthcare (if the unit is public or has a contract with the DHB).