44240 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Associate Minister of Health

44240 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Associate Minister of Health: Has the Minister seen the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee Report released on the 1 July that indicates that nearly 10,000 lives were lost, and hundreds of babies were diagnosed with moderate or severe neonatal encephalopathy during 2006 - 2021, if so, what support, if any, does the Minister intend to provide for mama and pēpi to improve these outcomes?

Hon Casey Costello: I acknowledge the concerning rates of perinatal and maternal mortality in New Zealand that Health New Zealand is committed to improving. I am advised that a number of work programmes within Health NZ are focused on addressing the compounding factors that result in poor maternal and perinatal mortality rates. This work includes: - regularly reviewing maternity and neonatal clinical guidelines; - the Maternity Quality and Safety Programme; - the Carosika Collaborative equitable pre-term birth prevention project. - investment in improved maternal mental health and wellbeing; and - the development of a national bereavement care pathway. I am further advised that Health NZ is currently establishing a maternity clinical network, and the co-leads will soon be announced. This network will be responsible for reducing variation in access to services and service quality and ultimately improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.