The Wānaka primary birthing unit is on track to open in the first half of this year, Te Whatu Ora Southern says. 

Last July the organisation purchased a 545sqm, eight-bedroom lodge in Albert Town which needed “minor alterations” and was due to be converted into a birthing unit by early 2023. 

“We are still on track to have the Wānaka facility open in the first half of 2023,” Te Whatu Ora director of midwifery for Southern Karen Ferraccioli told the Wānaka App this week.

“We are excited to deliver an amazing facility that will benefit our community.”

In June 2021 the SDHB agreed to establish a primary birthing unit (which is equipped for supporting healthy women with no medical complications through labour, birth, and in-patient postnatal care) in Wānaka.

Wānaka midwives celebrating the purchase of the building last July. PHOTO: Supplied

The decision followed a long process and many years of advocacy from local groups, including local Lead Maternity Care (LMC) midwives and the Save Our Wānaka Midwives, in part because of the significant distance to the nearest primary birthing unit and hospital.

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Karen said the process of establishing Wānaka’s primary birthing unit was sped up by the decision to purchase an existing building rather than build something from scratch, as previously planned.

However, the initial completion date of early 2023 has been pushed back.

“While the purchase was announced in July 2022, work needed to be undertaken to draw up minor alterations and tender for a construction partner,” she said. 

Wānaka midwife Emily Sancha said she was “super excited” for the birthing unit to open.

“It’s going to be amazing for the midwives and the women and the families,” she said. 

A big highlight, Emily said, was that the unit would be set up to provide postnatal care in addition to labour and birth care.

“It’s not just for having your baby,” she said. “[It can also provide] that post-natal care that the women get in the two to three days afterwards,” she said.

Emily said she hadn’t been able to tell any patients they’d be giving birth at the birthing unit just yet.

“We’re waiting until it happens. All we know is they are definitely trying to open it soon but there are some refurbishments.”

Karen said Te Whatu Ora’s Southern team was working to ensure the unit will be fit for purpose.

“We have considered all requirements for the new unit including, but not limited to, space for integrated care, patient safety, future-proofing the service, and creating the feel of a ‘home away from home’ facility,” she said.

The Wānaka primary birthing unit will be located on Monteith Road, Albert Town.