Recent resignations and an inability to fill vacancies has caused significant rostering issues in orthopaedics at Wairarapa Hospital.
From the end of March, Wairarapa DHB will have only one employed Orthopaedic Surgeon. The service usually depends on four surgeons and some locum cover.
From Monday 17th February, recurrent gaps in acute care orthopaedic cover will occur through until the end of March, after which time Wairarapa will not have any permanent rostered cover for acute orthopaedic patients.
We are grateful to Capital and Coast DHB for leading the covering of Wairarapa’s acute orthopaedic care, with the support of Hutt Valley DHB.
Assistance from our neighbouring DHBs will mean some Wairarapa patients will need to receive their acute orthopaedic care in Wellington or Hutt Valley. We will be assisting with travel cost reimbursement, or providing transport as required.
We know this will be of concern to the community, but we do have detailed care pathways in place and we are confident that Wairarapa will remain well served.
While this is an interim plan for care, the orthopaedic surgical shortage locally is likely to continue for some time, and we will be sure to keep the community updated as we have information to hand.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at: Email us here
Thank you for your support as we address our capacity issues.
