โImagine being in the position that you need this treatment but have to travel when youโre in a state of distress, with no support,โ Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.
โAssistance is offered to other people needing to travel for pregnancy care on the Whakatฤne Hospital website โ but not for those accessing abortion care.
โBack in January, Health Minister Simeon Brown said there would be no change to abortion services, but this service is quietly disappearing. Patients have been left without choices and will have to travel long distances without support.
โThe Minister wonโt answer the straightforward question of whether abortion is healthcare. This is not putting patients and their needs first, itโs putting his ideology first. As Health Minister, I treated abortion as healthcare, and improved access by introducing a telehealth abortion service.
โObstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatฤne Hospital have collapsed due to staff shortages. At the same time, Gisborne Hospital has begged Ministers for help with staffing, and clinicians are leaving Nelson Hospital due to overwork and burnout.
โThe Minister needs to do more than just ask for advice, but to act now and get the staff shortages under control. Patients will suffer if he doesnโt take action,โ Ayesha Verrall said.