Babies’ lives ‘could be at risk’ as review drags on

Babies’ lives could be at risk due to delays in acting on a yet-to-be released review of neonatal intensive care units, a National Party MP says.

The units (NICU), which provide care for extremely premature and sick babies, have been under sustained pressure for years. They frequently operate over capacity, leading to babies and parents being flown to hospitals in other parts of the country.

Despite 85 per cent bed occupancy being a suggested safe level, Canterbury’s NICU last year operated at an average occupancy of 104 per cent and 20 women awaiting delivery were transferred to other regions.

In 2015, the Ministry of Health claimed it had commissioned a national review of NICU care, which in fact never happened.

It was only last year that the Ministry of Health and joint chief executives of district health boards (DHBs) commissioned a review of NICUs led by the Newborn Clinical Network, a group that come under the Paediatric Society’s Child and Youth Clinical Network Programme, developed with ministry funding.

The newborn network contracted a research company to undertake the review last September. A final draft was received by the ministry in March. Six months later, the review has still not been publicly released.

National Party health spokesman Michael Woodhouse said the Government was not being transparent. ‘‘I’m advised that NICUs across the country are under significant pressure and the Government should have responded to the report with haste.

‘‘Instead, babies’ lives could be at risk due to delays in acting on the recommendations.’’

Ministry chief medical officer Dr Andrew Simpson said the review had been taken back to DHB chief executives for consideration.

‘‘Work has been under way to consider the findings of the report and the best way forward,’’ Simpson said.

‘‘The ministry is preparing the report for publication as soon as possible.’’

Health Minister David Clark said he would be asking the ministry for early advice on responding to the review and relieving pressure on NICU services.