The Neonatal Unit (NNU) at Middlemore Hospital provides care predominantly to the Counties Manukau region as well as providing extra capacity at peak demand times for regional and national overflow. The Neonatal Unit provides Intensive Care (Level III) and Special Care (Level II) services and is an integral part of the continuum of services delivered by the Kidz First and Women’s Health Divisions of Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB). The joint General Manager of these two Divisions ensures that integration across both Divisions is achieved.
Thirty six cot spaces are equipped to provide flexible levels of care including negative pressure isolation facilities.
The multidisciplinary team comprises: nurses, from the neonatal nurse specialist to hospital aid range; medical staff at both senior and junior levels; allied health and support staff.
Several underlying principles govern the design and operation of the Unit. These include:
- Baby and Family Centred Care
- Continuity of Care
- Developmentally Supportive Care
- Clinical Practice Improvement
- Multidisciplinary Team
- Teaching role of the Unit
Families, and in particular parents, play an integral role in the care delivered to neonates. Facilities within the Unit reflect this philosophy through the provision of a range of areas including playroom, family lounge, education room, overnight accommodation for parents with critically ill babies and cot-side seating and visiting spaces.
Supporting staff by ensuring that the work environment contributes to work satisfaction is critical in attracting and retaining adequate numbers of high quality staff. Learning and research contribute to the Unit’s commitment to continually improving clinical practice.