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Brought to you by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Southern and WellSouth primary health network

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painting of rabbit and cat showing way to vera haywood

NICU Follow-up Programme

Ahakoa he iti he pounamu

Although it is small, it is precious

 

Vera Hayward Centre owl

NICU follow up programme

This is for pēpi who were born at less than 32 weeks gestation, who weigh under 1500 grams at birth, or who are considered ‘at risk’ by Paediatricians. These pēpi may be at higher risk of developmental problems, so it is useful for them to have developmental assessments to check their progress. This allows us to give extra help to pēpi who need it.

Therapists visit NICU to meet the pēpi and their whānau and to give early developmental advice. After discharge pēpi are likely to be visited and assessed in their home, or sometimes at the Vera Hayward Centre. Developmental assessments are usually carried out at around 38-42 weeks gestation, 4 and 8 months age adjusted and 2 years of age. Some of the tamariki will be seen more frequently depending on their needs.