The Government is to spend $2 million to increase the number of babies that can be cared for at the neonatal unit at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital.
Health Minister Annette King said today the Counties Manukau District Health Board had requested the money to build a new unit which could provide up to eight more cots than the current capacity of 22.
Ms King said the projected increase in Middlemore's capacity for the "most vulnerable babies" would also take pressure of other hospitals.
"Neonatal units in New Zealand work collaboratively to provide a national service for babies and families," she said.
"Events such as the unexpected arrival of premature triplets can stretch local capacity and require pregnant women and their babies to be moved to other units with spare cots ... More cots nationally is good news all around."
- NZPA
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