World Prematurity Day is marked every year on November 17 — raising awareness for the about-4800 babies born too soon every year in New Zealand.
On the day, thanks to charity Little Miracles Trust, volunteer bakers deliver treats to every single neonatal unit in the country.
NZNO member and charge nurse manager Kristin Vesper, working at the Wairarapa Hospital special care baby unit (SCBU), said the day was about shining a light on the journey of premature babies.
“It strengthens our community ties, reinforces our values, and ensures our smallest patients remain at the centre of everything we do.”
The trust worked with every New Zealand neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and SCBU to provide peer support and resources for whānau navigating their neonatal journey.
‘It also highlights the importance of our premature babies, because they are the future.’
NZNO neonatal nurses college Aotearoa (NNCA) chair Merophy Brown — who also enjoyed some baking this week at Whangārei’s SCBU — said it was an opportunity to celebrate the daily work of neonatal nurses.
“It’s a nice opportunity for parents to come back and say thank you,” she said. “It also highlights the importance of our premature babies, because they are the future.”
Brown said Whangārei neonatal staff enjoyed “yummy slices, crepes, crème puffs and eclairs” during a busy day.
This year’s morning tea shout came as neonatal nurses face increasing challenges — including some NICU being at 130 percent capacity, compounded by understaffing.
Some NICU report they are 20 per cent down on what their staffing should be, according to safe staffing tool CCDM calculations.
These neonatal units look after some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable babies — weighing as little as 350 grams, the same as a packet of butter.
