An independent report commissioned by the Counties Manukau Health Board, on the experiences of Māori and Pacific Island mothers who are at the highest risk of having their babies die has just been released.
Although just 61 Māori and Pacific Island mothers were surveyed, the report says many women felt they were stigmatised by Middlemore Hospital staff.
One account within the report highlights one mother who was released from Middlemore Hospital at 4am following the midnight delivery of her child.
However some believe that their experience with Middlemore Hospital has been exceptional.
According to Cyprus Raumaewa, “They've been really good help for me during my first pregnancy. I was here for months.”
The Maternity spokesperson for the Counties Manukau Health Board says they are currently working towards implementing some of the recommendations provided in the report.