Govt rolls out babies for postnatal policy - but where will the workers come from? | Stuff.co.nz

Added: 2026-05-30

[00:00:00]Well, the government has confirmed changes to allow mothers and babies to remain in a post-natal facility for at least three days after giving birth. The $34 million investment was announced on the back of a significant handout for health in this year's budget. The funding of more beds has been welcomed by the sector, but there are concerns around where the staff will come from.

[00:00:22]Senior correspondent Lisa RMA reports.

[00:00:24]>> So, good to see you, brother. Nothing screams election year like a politician posing with a baby. And the health minister has brought in the big guns, recruiting his own children to help with the charm offensive.

[00:00:36]>> He is a daddy's boy.

[00:00:38]>> Budget 26 dished out $5.8 billion for health over four years.

[00:00:43]>> I'm proud of the record on health.

[00:00:45]>> And today, the government shone the spotlight on the cutest beneficiaries.

[00:00:50]>> This $34.4 $4 million investment will increase maternity bed capacity and support the workforce needed to safely deliver longer post-natal stays because we want mothers and babies to have more time, care, and support in those crucial days after birth. Every mother will soon be entitled to 3 days care after giving birth. But the country needs more beds and more staff to provide that care. So, it'll be a staggered roll out while capacity increases. The legislation will prioritize in first instance new mothers um by the end of the three-year implementation uh all mothers will be eligible >> at this Bontney Downs birthing unit.

[00:01:27]They're optimistic.

[00:01:28]>> I think with the 3 years does give us that time to be able to do that.

[00:01:31]>> But there are concerns bubbling beneath the sector's celebrations.

[00:01:36]>> We know we have a really big attrition issue in our health workforces. um not just with staff leaving public sector for private sector but actually going overseas for better you know um opportunities particularly with pay and other working conditions.

[00:01:52]>> The budget has dedicated $680 million to capital expenditure including 158 new beds at Fangad Hospital and redevelopments at Palmyon North toanga and Hawks Bay.

[00:02:04]>> It is great to see you know patient services expanded. Again, I suppose the question that is on our members' minds is, you know, with what workforce.

[00:02:14]>> There's also more than 150 million going into improving the health system cyber security. 54 million extra in funding for Pharmac and the Bell screening age will be dropped from 58 to 56. Still a long way off Luxon's last election promise to match Australia's screening age of 50. Well, we'd love to do everything faster, but I think you're seeing a government that is managing through issues in a really calm um very deliberate uh and prudent way. It's very easy to go out and make promises that you then can't follow through and keep.

[00:02:46]>> But that was a promise that you made.

[00:02:47]>> Well, it was. Yes. And it's our desire is to get to where the Australians are on their screening rates.

[00:02:52]>> The budget also doesn't include any targeted funding for primary care.

[00:02:56]>> In health, demand is always going to exceed capacity. It's one of the the universal laws around the world. So I think um again prioritization of health is what's important. So we're continually thinking about where we fund, how we fund, how we fund efficiently to actually deliver services to to New Zealanders. Um I think primary care and general practice is absolutely core part of that.

[00:03:19]>> But health was a big winner of this budget and it wasn't just Simeon Brown's own son. Did you like the budget?

[00:03:27]>> Yeah, it's great. who has shown support for that