Opponents of a plan to cut specialist maternity care in Whanganui say it could put hundreds of babies each year in danger.
The Whanganui and MidCentral District Health Boards want to concentrate specialist care at Palmerston North hospital.
The change could affect up to 400 Whanganui women each year - nearly half the annual number expected to give birth in the region.
A maternity group says the delays for the women who have to drive from Whanganui to Palmerston North, could put them and their babies at risk of severe health problems.
But the regional clinical director of women's health services thinks the change will result in a higher standard of care.
Dr Digby Ngan Kee says Whanganui currently has a heavy reliance on locums, who have a high turnover, which risks compromising safety.
Rise in risk due to locums
Whanganui District Health Board chief executive Julie Patterson also says an international shortage of specialists is behind the planned changes.
Ms Patterson told Morning Report the service currently relies on locums which increases the risk of error, as midwives and nurses have to change their procedures to match the locums.
She said the move is about what is safest for patients.
No confidence already
A women's group says there is already a lack of confidence in the health services available in Whanganui without the proposed change.
Women's Network manager Carla Donson says the area has a large rural base and the extra travel is a concern.
She says the hospital has a history of problems.
