48288 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

48288 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter April to June 2024 toward the action ‘Investigate implementing Neo-BFHI into neonatal units to expand the current BFHI model. Expand the BFHI into paediatric wards and wider hospital facilities and ensure adequate specialty services are in place for breastfeeding parents, infants and children when admitted to a DHB setting.’ under ‘Outcome 4: Learn how all maternity facilities achieve and maintain Baby Friendly Aotearoa (BFHI) accreditation’ within the National Breastfeeding Strategy for Aotearoa?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) working group met to discuss implementation matters for neonatal services. This sector working group are considering holding a trial of Neo-BFHI in a neonatal unit to determine processes, costs and other requirements before fuller implementation is considered