Vaginal packing left inside woman for six weeks after birth

Monday 8 December 2025 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 8 Dec 2025, 2:50pm

In this story Health and Disability Commissioner, Rose Wall

The Health and Disability Commissioner has investigated a case where a woman had vaginal packing left inside her for six weeks following a public hospital birth. The woman experienced pain and infection before a GP discovered the swab during a post-natal check. Health NZ was criticised for the mistake.

How they headlined it

2pm2:35pm

1. StuffMon 8 Dec 2025, 2:00pm

   Pad for bleeding left inside woman for 6 weeks after she gave birth (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsMon 8 Dec 2025, 2:00pm

   Vaginal swab left in woman for six weeks after birth (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesMon 8 Dec 2025, 2:35pm

   Swab 'half the size of an arm' left in new mum for six weeks (opens in new tab)

4. RNZMon 8 Dec 2025, 2:50pm

   Maternity swab left inside woman after birth; HDC ‘highly critical’ of Health NZ mistake (opens in new tab)

   Also on NZ Herald (opens in new tab)