We provide intensive care for newborn pēpi. We also provide surgery for all babies in the South Island (except Nelson).
Our service has 44 cots, 12 for intensive care and 32 for special care.
An introduction to the neonatal unit — Vimeo
Canterbury neonatal service information leaflets for parents — Health NZ
Level 3 intensive care
We care for pēpi in intensive care if they need:
- help with breathing
- surgery
- intensive observation.
Level 2 special care
Special care or level 2 care is for pēpi who can breathe themselves but may need input from our multi-disciplinary team. We provide:
- oxygen therapy
- intravenous therapy
- antibiotics
- care for pēpi who have a low birth weight
- care for pēpi who need help feeding or keeping warm.
We provide parent rooms and meals for when babies are close to discharge. We aim for all parents to room with their baby for at least one night.
Emergency care and transport team
We have a 24 hour service to transport babies to and from our tertiary referral centre in Christchurch. For emergencies in a home setting an ambulance is called first.
The transport team picks up babies from Kaikoura to the West Coast and down to Timaru. We transport babies from everywhere in the South Island, except Nelson, for surgical services.
Whānau lounge
We have 2 whānau lounges with seating. You can stay in these lounges while you wait to see your baby.
Infant feeding
Feeding my baby — Vimeo
NICU microwave sterilising — Vimeo
NICU washing sterilising — Vimeo
We provide a multidisciplinary team approach to breastfeeding and pēpi feeding.
Infant feeding specialist (clinical nurse specialist)
The clinical nurse specialist supports staff and whānau in breastfeeding education and clinical matters.
Associate clinical nurse manager – breastfeeding initiative
Monitors breastfeeding initiative standards around the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding, the non-breastfeeding mother, the international code of marketing and subsequent resolution, and the Treaty of Waitangi.
Feeding team
Clinical expertise in breastfeeding and supports colleagues in clinical breast feeding skills
Neurodevelopmental physiotherapist
Assesses babies for neurodevelopmental issues related to feeding, sucking and swallowing.
Speech language therapist
Assesses sucking and swallowing of pēpi and implements a programme with staff and parents involved.
Discharge planner
A nurse who works with pēpi who require significant ongoing input from the neonatal team and plays an important role in setting up specifically targeted programmes and support for discharge into the community (for example teaching home feeding via pump).