Neo-natal Unit at Wellington Hospital busier than ever, well resourced thanks to extra funding.

Last year the Government announced an extra $103.5 million over four years to boost maternity services for new parents.

This announcement included more than $38 million for new mothers to have the option to stay longer in birthing facilities if they need extra support and about $10 million for additional visits to general practitioners and lead maternity carers for at-risk mothers during pregnancy.

"I recently visited the neo-natal ward at Wellington Hospital where I met with Kay Webster to discuss the impact of this funding on their resources a year on," Ohariu based National List MP, Katrina Shanks says.

"While the Wellington unit is chock-a-block, Kay expressed how useful the increased funding had been to ensure that the unit remained well staffed and resourced to cope with the influx.

"As a mother of three, and one of the key advocates on maternity care, this issue is dear to my heart. Too many new mothers have felt pressured into going home before they were ready. This funding has meant that women benefit from extra support.

"Longer stays help new mothers establish breast feeding and gain confidence in caring for their baby before they return home.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Capital and Coast DHB and ensuring continued funding and support from the National-led Government."

ENDS

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