12. Question No. 12—HealthHAMISH WALKER (National—Clutha-Southland) to the Minister of HealthQuestion No. 12—Health12. HAMISH WALKER (National—Clutha-Southland) to the Minister of Health: Is he satisfied an appropriate standard of maternity care is available to keep mothers and new babies safe in northern Southland following a region-wide review of maternity services?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Health): Given the strength of community feeling on this matter I asked the Ministry of Health experts to review the Southern District Health Board's (DHB's) decisions to provide me with assurance that mothers and babies will continue to receive the high-quality care that they deserve. I received that assurance. I'm aware of concerns from the community that Southern DHB has yet to fully implement the new model of care as promised. I've discussed these concerns with DHB leadership and made my expectations clear that where there is evidence the standard of care is falling short the DHB must take action. It's my intention to discuss these matters further with the DHB until I'm satisfied they are delivering the high-quality maternity care expected.Hamish Walker: What actions if any did he take after my letter dated 9 May 2019 outlining my grave concerns regarding the incredibly high risks to the northern Southland community as the Lumsden and Te Ānau maternal hubs weren't up and running nearly a month after they were promised?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: This is a matter that I have been interested in and following closely for some time. I am very keen to make sure—have been keen to make sure—that I had the reassurance that mothers and babies would continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve. I have received representations from Mark Patterson and Liz Craig concerned local MPs. In respect of his particular letter I have taken no action whatsoever because it has not raised anything new for me. There was some degree of hyperbole in it but I have taken the concerns seriously as they have been raised with me. I've discussed those concerns with the DHB leadership and made my expectations clear that where there is evidence the standard of care is falling short the DHB must take action. If the member is suggesting that the new model of care being rolled out across Clutha-Southland and the Waitaki which is indeed delivering more services to more people should be rolled back and that indeed we should return to the situation under the National Government where there were fewer services for those constituencies I wish him well at the next election.Hamish Walker: Does the Minister agree with the chief executive of the Southern DHB that it is quite acceptable for rural mums to have their babies in an ambulance on the side of the road?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I am advised by the Southern District Health Board that a mother safely gave birth in the excellent care of a midwife and a St John ambulance crew member in a well-equipped ambulance en route to Southland Hospital. I'm pleased the mother and baby are doing well. It would seem that the system of care worked appropriately in this circumstance but I'm pleased that the DHB is reviewing the incident.Hamish Walker: Will the Government commit to reopening the Lumsden maternity hospital after the close call at the weekend with a mum giving birth on the side of the road in this week's Budget focused on wellbeing?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I do reject the assertions in that member's question. The Ministry of Health has assured me that the Southern DHB has met the requirements of the service coverage schedule for maternity care. In designing Southern DHB's integrated primary maternity care system of care and maternal and child hubs I'm confident that the Southern DHB has designed a good system of maternity care across its district. The result is five maternal and child hubs including new services in Te Ānau and Wānaka six birthing units and two tertiary and secondary services. I'm disappointed that not all of the new services have been fully rolled out yet. I've made that disappointment clear to the DHB and I've asked them to provide me with assurances that those services will be fully in place soon and a detailed time line. The chief executive has assured me that they are continuously monitoring the implementation of this service and are working closely with the Ministry of Health on the matter. I will be holding the chair of the DHB or the commissioner accountable for delivering what has been promised.Hamish Walker: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. My question was very very simple: will this Government reopen the Lumsden maternity hospital—yes or no? SPEAKER: Well the member's a relatively new but not an absolutely new member and he should know that members can't insist on yes or no answers to questions. As to whether the question was addressed or not then I think—it's a bit like an earlier one—it could well have been over-addressed. Speakers' ruling 171/4 is the Speakers' ruling that he should have a look at to educate himself. Rt Hon Winston Peters: Just to clear up the details Minister: was the birth in question on the side of the road or in an ambulance? Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: I'm advised that the birth took place in an ambulance with support as appropriate. Clearly the midwife herself had chosen to go to a secondary facility beyond the Lumsden suite because she had made a clinical decision. I support her clinical decision. She had clearly the best interests of the mother at heart and it's pleasing to see that the right decisions were taken and that the mother and baby are safe.