Construction of a new primary birthing unit for Wānaka may begin as early as the end of this year, the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) says.

Last month the SDHB met with midwives, health professionals, and members of the community from Wānaka and Central Otago to discuss the design of primary birthing units planned for both Wānaka and Clyde.

SDHB acting service manager Hannah Gentile told the Wānaka App the hui were an opportunity for community members to meet the SDHB’s architectural team, and a chance for the architectural team to learn what the community is hoping to see in these units. 

Architecture firm Jasmax has been hired by the SDHB and will be working on the design of the birthing units over the next four to five months, Hannah said. 

“This will also include a second visit to the region to present the preliminary design for community feedback,” she said. 

Locals are invited to provide input on the kind of design options they prefer until May 15, using this form.

The form features a series of images (of birthing and postnatal rooms, whānau and community rooms, reception areas, and outdoor spaces) from different birthing units around the world and asks people what appeals to them and what doesn’t.

A new birthing unit would include a community or family room.

The SDHB agreed in June 2021 to establish a birthing unit in Wānaka and another in Central Otago (located at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde). The Clyde unit will replace Charlotte Jean Maternity Hospital in Alexandra.

The decision followed a long process and much advocacy from local groups, including local Lead Maternity Care (LMC) midwives and the Save Our Wānaka Midwives group, for a primary birthing unit (equipped for supporting healthy women with no medical complications through labour, birth, and in-patient postnatal care) in Wānaka. 

Wānaka women currently face an hour’s drive to the nearest primary birthing unit (Charlotte Jean) or a three and a half hour drive to Dunedin Hospital.

SDHB board chair Pete Hodgson said approving the Wānaka facility was a recognition of the town’s growing population, long distances from other centres, and the willingness of LMCs in the area to explore new approaches to working to create a sustainable service for the community.

Hannah said the SDHB is “optimistically hoping” construction will start on the birthing units before the end of the year, provided  council consents are in place and a construction partner is available to start work.

PHOTOS: Supplied