Waikato DHB regains its accreditation for registrar training in Women’s Health

Waikato DHB is being reaccredited for training registrars (also known as junior doctors) in its Women’s Health service, subject to formal ratification by the board of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

The DHB had its accreditation withdrawn in December 2015 because of the lack of a collaborative team structure, a poor workplace culture and variable consultant support for trainees. A taskforce led by Commissioner Tanya Maloney was appointed early in 2016 to transform the DHB’s obstetric and gynaecological services with the aim of regaining the accreditation.

Ms Maloney said she was thrilled that all the hard work from the team in Women’s Health had led to  the service now meeting all the training standards and regaining the full RANZCOG accreditation for another four years.

“This is a really great result for the clinicians and for Waikato Hospital. The members of the training committee visited yesterday to review the service and congratulated us on a ‘fantastic turnaround’ stating that we could expect our formal accreditation in the next few months.

“They told us that they thought the supervision and education opportunities for trainees are great and that our doctors now feel very supported. They also said our workplace culture in women’s health had improved markedly and was now ‘exemplary’ with a ‘warm, welcoming, supportive environment’.

Dr Narena Dudley, Clinical Unit Leader of obstetrics and gynaecology at the DHB added: “Regaining RANZCOG accreditation is recognition of the many extra hours of direct on-site supervision by the Senior Medical Officers, to provide a safe supported learning environment for registrars and high quality care for the women of Waikato and their whanau. It’s also recognition of the considerable investment into the department by the DHB to improving staffing and resources in all areas.

“This is just the beginning, as we will continue to improve our services for women with the aim to be the leading training hospital in the country, with trainees already contacting us for employment opportunities in the coming year.”

Over the last two years the Commissioner has led a number of changes in the department including significant changes to the leadership team and a new clinical team structure that improves continuity of care for women and provides more support for registrars.

Ms Maloney added: “We have worked really hard to rebuild the service, ensuring excellent clinical leadership, and strengthening training, education and research capabilities. I acknowledge the commitment and hard work of our senior doctors over the last two years and I am delighted that RANZCOG have recognised how far we have come.”

She said the RANZCOG committee members had also told the DHB they may have some new trainees starting with the DHB in June this year rather than wait for the later December intake.

Women’s Health provides secondary and tertiary level obstetrics and gynaecology services to Waikato residents and those in the Midland health region.