By Paora Manuel.
Health New Zealand have appointed Jenny Martelli as interim general manager for Whakatāne Hospital.
It follows last Saturday's hikoi over the maternity service downgrades, with a hospital GM being one of several demands.
National's East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick said the appointment is fantastic news.
Kirkpatrick said it's important to have local input in decision making and how the decisions are made, “especially in places like the Eastern Bay of Plenty.”
Martelli starts in the role next month and has worked within the health sector for many years.
In a Facebook post, advocacy group Hikoi for Health said they're hopeful Martelli's appointment “is a step in the right direction.”
Kirkpatric gave Martelli a tick of approval, saying she comes with great credentials.
“We will be really pleased to work alongside her, to make sure that health services at Whakatāne Hospital are maintained and added to, as demand requires.”