Patients left without local options for treatment.
Whakatāne Hospital has quietly suspended abortion care services due to staffing shortages. Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall criticised the move, stating that patients will have to travel over an hour to Tauranga for treatment, often in distress and without support. This decision contradicts Health Minister Simeon Brown's January statement that there would be no change to abortion services.
The hospital's obstetrics and gynaecology services have collapsed due to staff shortages. Gisborne Hospital has also pleaded for help with staffing issues, while clinicians at Nelson Hospital are leaving due to overwork and burnout. Verrall called on the Minister to take immediate action to address the staffing crisis, warning that patients will suffer if no solution is found.
The suspension of abortion care services raises questions about access to healthcare in rural areas, particularly for those who already face significant barriers. The situation highlights the need for urgent action to address the country's healthcare workforce shortages and ensure that patients receive timely and supportive care.