Plunket and ACC are joining forces to make Kiwi kids safer

Plunket and ACC are joining forces to make Kiwi kids safer

Each year more than 110,000 children are injured at home and in the wider community, so Plunket and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) are teaming up to help prevent injuries and make Kiwi kids safer.

By the time they are two years old, 28 percent of all Kiwi children will need medical treatment after an accident at home, says Plunket Acting Chief Executive Amanda Malu.

“The most common cause of injury to children are falls – with 64,000 children under five hurt last year.” Falls make up over half of all ACC child injury claims.

“Children are also at significant risk from burns and the most common cause of hospitalisation from burns is hot drinks.” Excessively hot water (in baths, showers and sinks) is the second highest cause and last year, ACC recorded more than 4,000 burn injuries to young children.

ACC is investing $2.3m over five years to support Plunket to develop its injury prevention capabilities and to deliver education to parents to help keep their children safe.

The partnership makes the most of Plunket’s unique and trusted relationship with New Zealand families and ACC’s expertise in reducing and preventing injuries. ACC’s support will enable Plunket to deliver more injury prevention initiatives to New Zealand families, and help parents to create a safer environment for their children.

“We have always been there for Kiwi families,” Amanda Malu says. “Plunket nurses visit the homes of nine out of 10 Kiwi families with newborns, while other Plunket staff provide parenting education, health advice, support and other activities in the community.

“The new partnership will build parents’ awareness of potential hazards so that families can create a safer environment for their children.

“Over 80,000 accidents in the home per year result in injuries to children under five years old. Many of these are preventable.”

ACC’s Chief Customer Officer Sid Miller says this partnership provides ACC with a wonderful opportunity to help make New Zealand families safer.

“We all need to play a role to create the best living and learning places for our young children. This partnership with Plunket enables ACC to reach parents of young children with important information to help prevent injuries.”

ACC will provide added support to Plunket’s frontline staff to deliver injury prevention education directly to parents.

“Plunket’s face-to-face approach has proven to be the most effective way to build relationships with parents and provide support so that they can make their children as safe as possible.”
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