Neonatal Unit

DR MAISIE WONG 

Neonatologist

KAREN BOYLE 

Nurse Manager DR LINDSAY MILDENHALL 

Clinical Lead Neonates

Kidz First Neonatal Care is part of CM Health’s Kidz First Child Health Service and works closely with CM Health Maternity Services.

Kidz First Neonatal Care is situated adjacent to the Kidz First wards, and the theatre and critical care complex at Middlemore Hospital. The unit has 38 cots – 18 level-3 cots and 20 level-2 cots – which together provide intensive and special care for premature or unwell neonates.

In 2021, Neonatal Care will be extended in the level 2 area, increasing the unit’s capacity to 46 cots. This will help meet the growing demand for neonatal cots, locally within CM Health, as well as regionally and nationally.

The unit will focus further on providing transitional care, with the goal of ensuring neonates and their families receive optimal support. Transitional care supports mothers and babies to be together, as a last step before going home.

There is a large and growing multidisciplinary workforce of dedicated staff within the unit, who provide services for around 1,200 neonatal admissions each year.

The nursing team comprises new graduates through to senior registered nurses. The latter include associate charge nurse managers, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, a nurse educator, clinical coaches, lactation consultants and a nurse manager.

The medical team consists of senior medical officers, a medical officer and rotating registrars, with various levels of experience.

The immediate clinical team is supported by a social worker, dietician, speech language therapist, physiotherapist, child protection services, play specialists, a pharmacist and the Kidz First Home Care Nursing team. The Allied Health Team is integral to the care provided and plays a dynamic role within the multidisciplinary team. Relationships with Women’s Health are strong in both the primary and secondary maternity settings. The primary birthing units play a pivotal role in transitioning neonates to the community birthing unit closest to their homes, under the care of their community lead maternity carer midwife or CM Health midwifery services.

Tertiary sub-specialty support and paediatric surgery is provided by Starship Children’s Hospital (Auckland District Health Board) with whom we have established bonds and communication. A strong research culture enriches our practice, with one senior medical officer holding a joint appointment with the University of Auckland and the Liggins Institute.

The articles of the Treaty of Waitangi underpin the model of care in Kidz First Neonatal Care. By promoting whaanau participation, we can nurture a solid foundation from which parents can independently care for their children. Our neonatal team expects to optimise the life potential of every neonate in our care.