Abstract:
After its district was identified as having higher perinatal mortality rates than the rest of New Zealand, particularly amongst Māori and Pasifika women, the CMDHB commissioned an investigation by the independent Maternity Care Review Panel. I was appointed Chair of the Review. In our final report, we recommended decisive action to address the underlying population health factors that contribute to perinatal morbidity and mortality in Counties Manukau and significantly enhanced care is for those women who are assessed as being at higher risk. To make reform possible, we urged for increased resources and a high level of co-operation between CMDHB health care providers and the community they care for.