Taranaki DHB Antenatal Clinic Relocates

5 June 2010

Over the past 18 months there have been changes to the antenatal clinic service at Taranaki DHB, and now they have relocated to the David Street entrance of the maternity building.

Antenatal clinic co-ordiantor and midwife Laura Egan is leading the development of the hospital-based antenatal clinic service in Taranaki.

She says the changes have resulted in a more collaborative approach to coordinating the care of pregnant women.

Laura liaises with different professionals to ensure services best meet the needs of women and their families. There will be better links with the Diabetes Service, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy and the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit in Wellington.

For women who require more specialised care, Laura coordinates the process between units at Auckland, Waikato and Wellington.

The service has been further enhanced by visits from Wellington-based maternal fetal medicine specialist Dr Jeremy Tuohy, who holds an ultrasound and consultation clinic in Taranaki once a month. “This has been an absolute asset to the antenatal service as women do not have to travel out of town at what can be a stressful time,” said Laura.

A multidisciplinary meeting is held to coincide with Dr Tuohy’s visits. Professionals discuss the medical, social and psychological aspects of women using the service.

The clinic has its own patient entrance and refurbished facilities, with more space and a lighter, fresher façade. The area will be used for all antenatal outpatient visits, antenatal outpatient procedures and baby hip check clinics.

Laura Egan and others will be available for a photo on Wednesday June 9th at 11am. Please call me if you interested in being there.

For more information please call

Sue Carrington
Taranaki DHB
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Monday, July 5, 2010