The New Zealand College of Midwives is relieved and delighted to see that the Whanganui District Health Board is reasonably confident of appointing two new permanent obstetricians to Whanganui Maternity Hospital, taking the complement to four.

Women and midwives in the region have led a concerted campaign to encourage the Board to meet its obligations to this community, and the news that the board is reasonably confident of recruiting two new permanent obstetricians to the Whanganui is very positive.

When the appointments are confirmed, Whanganui can go back to do what they do so well....providing Whanganui mothers and babies with an excellent maternity experience.

The College trusts the Board and management have listened to the calls for a need to be inclusive and consultative with midwives and consumers around its workforce issues in the future.

Working together on creating welcoming and supportive working environments is the only way good quality services will be sustained.