Kidz First Neonatal Care (KFNC) 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.  Neonatal Care 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 Health. The joint General Manager of these two Divisions ensures that integration across both Divisions is achieved.

The multidisciplinary team comprises: a large team of registered nurses at both senior and staff nurse level; medical staff at both senior and junior levels; allied health and support staff.

Several underlying principles govern the design and operation of the service. These include:

  • Partnership model with parents and family encompassing both Te Whare Tapa Wha and Fonofale models
  • Service integration for continuity of care
  • Developmentally supportive care
  • Focus on ongoing quality improvement
  • Collaborative multidisciplinary teamwork
  • Teaching role within the service and ongoing professional development

Families, and in particular parents, play an integral role in the care delivered to neonates. 
Neonatal care facilities reflect this philosophy through the provision of a range of areas including comfortable parent lounges, education room, overnight accommodation for parents with critically ill babies and cot-side seating and visiting spaces.  We recognise that this can be a stressful time for parents and places for quiet reflection are available for parent use only. 

Supporting staff by ensuring that the work environment contributes to work satisfaction is critical in attracting and retaining high-quality staff. Learning and research contribute to the service's commitment to continually improving clinical practice.

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