Premature and sick babies to benefit from new breastmilk bank at Whangārei Hospital
Donated pasteurised breastmilk will soon be available for premature and sick babies born in Northland thanks to a regional fundraising drive led by local Rotary and Lions clubs and supported by community.
A Human Milk Bank will be housed at Whangārei Hospital after Rotary Whangārei South and City clubs, Whangārei Lions, and community members, raised $32,864.
Jenni Moore, President of Rotary Whangārei South says they fundraised for a year selling art bequeathed by Valerie Hunton and hosted a quiz night.
“People were happy to donate for such a great cause. Through the publicity generated Whangārei Lions got in touch to add their support of $5000, and Whangārei City Rotary Club also gave us $1000 which was amazing. Service Clubs working together can achieve incredible things. In total we have been able to donate $25,734.63 towards this fantastic initiative.”
Health New Zealand Te Tai Tokerau Director of Midwifery, Sue Bree, says they are incredibly grateful for the support as it means the hospital will be able to purchase the equipment needed to establish a Human Milk Bank.
“Breastmilk is the optimal food for babies and is particularly important for premature and critically ill babies, who have higher very specific nutritional and immunity needs.
“Parents may be unable to provide milk for their baby for a number of reasons including maternal illness, prescription medications or low milk production but the Human Milk Bank will help in these situations,” Ms Bree says.
The Whangārei Hospital Human Milk Bank will accept and pasteurise screened donated breast milk from women who tend to produce more milk than their baby needs.
The team will develop a system to transport donated breastmilk from the Human Milk Bank at Whangārei Hospital to other parts of Northland.
Photo: Jenni Moore, President of Rotary Whangārei South (centre) with representatives from Whangārei South and City Rotary Clubs, Whangārei Lions and Te Kotuku and Neonatal staff at the $25,734.63 bank transfer hand-over.
-ENDS-
Background:
- The Whangārei Hospital Neonatal Unit provides services including care for unwell or premature babies born in Te Tai Tokerau and greater than 32 weeks gestation.
- 2159 babies were born in Northland in 2023, 161 of those requiring neonatal care.
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau will support the running costs of the Human Milk Bank.
- If you have a donation or gift you would like to share with healthcare services in Northland, please contact the Northland Community Foundation.
- The Health Fund PLUS partnership benefits the health needs of all Northlanders by focusing on giving for the good of many. Email info@northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz
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