Media Releases

National Health Committee to review maternity care

29 January 1999

The National Advisory Committee on Health and Disability Services is pleased to accept the Minister of Health's invitation to review maternity care for New Zealand women and babies says Mason Durie, chair of the Committee.

National Health Committee member Maggie Barry is to lead the review on behalf of the Committee. Maggie has been a member of the Committee since last October, although she has been associated with its work for 18 months as Chair of an expert working group on palliative care services.

“This review is an enormous challenge but one I feel suited to lead not least because I had a baby myself a year ago. I am aware that there are some very complex and emotive issues involved in maternity care in New Zealand and that the confidence of women is crucial.

“In asking the National Health Committee to carry out the review the Minister of Health Bill English is drawing on two of the Committee's most valuable assets - its independence and its evidence-based approach to advice on the provision of publicly funded health care services.

“This is initially an information gathering exercise. The Committee will be seeking the views of women, health care professionals and all interested parties. Once the terms of reference have been finalised we will be providing further information on the issues to be reviewed.