Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Health Minister Dr Shane Reti to officially open a new number one delivery unit in Wānaka.
Dr. Reti stressed that the occasion demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving fitness infrastructure, especially supporting families before birth and the first days of life.
“We are honored to open the first Wānaka Birth Unit and to be here as users during the convocation of the new facility, Rākai Kahukura,” said Dr. Reti.
The birthing unit includes a delivery room with en-suite lounge and birthing pool, 4 postnatal rooms with en-suite lounges, an on-site prenatal clinic with 4 rooms, a network room for respite and education, and a whānau room.
“This facility and the incredible staff who will be working here will make a real difference for many local families, who have so far had to endure long and potentially stressful journeys to give birth,” added Dr. Reti. “Every year, we expect Rākai Kahukura to attend about 400 families and 50 births. The unit will welcome pregnant women and their families starting July 29 this year, after an open space for netpaintings to notice the new facility.
The delivery unit marks an important step forward for Otago’s infrastructure. However, Dr. Reti said there is still work to be done to expand to physical care in the Central Lakes region.
“This government aims to improve the audience that New Zealanders count on, adding physical care. Our purpose is for all New Zealanders to have timely access to quality physical care,” he said. “The Central Lakes network has undergone significant population expansion and we are committed to achieving better access and providing quality physical care, especially for rural communities and developing spaces like Wānaka.
Dr Reti also announced further investment in a new number one birthing unit in Clyde. The additional investment will allow the structure to begin at the Dunstan Hospital site in early 2025, and the facility is expected to be able to house patients until 2026. With a combined investment of $11 million, Wānaka and Clyde’s number one birthing outfits are bringing significant fitness to the region.
“This will allow us to add more birth centers in the region, gain better access, and provide quality physical care,” Dr. Reti concluded.