Expectant Queenstown mothers may once again be transferred to Invercargill after a contentious trial has ended. Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) partially reversed its controversial policy in which Queenstown birthing mums needing emergency transfers could only go to Dunedin rather than much-closer Invercargill. Health New Zealand Southern chief midwife Karen Ferraccioli said “following feedback and careful consideration” if a helicopter was not available to fly the mother-to-be to Dunedin, for example due to bad weather, the patient would be transferred by ambulance from Queenstown’s Lakes District Hospital to the Southland maternity unit, in Invercargill. Ms Ferraccioli said patient safety remained the top priority underpinning the change. “Southland Hospital will be given advance notice to expect a patient transfer. “Patients transferred to Southland Hospital by road will be prioritised, assessed and managed in line with normal clinical practice.” The amended policy took effect late last month.…