Funding for pepi-pods and wahakura for at-risk mums and babies will continue in Northland, despite the Government shelving plans to fund the safe-sleeping devices.
An investigation by NZME showed the Ministry of Health ignored the recommendations of leading child death experts and at least 12 coroners about providing pepi-pods to prevent SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy).
The Government secretly tore up a $250,000 contract to fund the devices in 2012, without telling the coroners or experts.
It also dished out $800,000 of funding to prevent SUDI last year on the condition that the money not be used to buy pepi-pods.
However, through DHB funding, Northland District Health Board will continue to supply about 180 safe sleep devices per year, with Maori infants in the Special Care Baby Unit a priority, said general manager of Child, Youth, Maternal, Public Oral Health Services Jeanette Wedding.