NICU — Dunedin Hospital
This NICU is a highly specialised (tertiary level) service with:
- 5 Level 3 cots (higher-level intensive care)
- 11 Level 2 cots (lower-level intensive care).
The Level 3 NICU provides care for pēpi born prematurely (from 23 weeks' gestation) and for newborn pēpi to 3 months of age who need intensive care.
In general, pēpi are admitted to NICU from Otago and Southland. However, when other units are at capacity, out-of-district pēpi may be admitted, with the reverse applying if Dunedin is at capacity.
Road and air retrieval services are available for pēpi outside of Dunedin who need unexpected admission to the NICU.
To support a safe transition from NICU to home, a homecare service is also available.
NNU — Southland Hospital
The NNU is a Level 2 unit with 6 Level 2 cots (low-level intensive care). This Level 2 unit provides care for pēpi born prematurely from 32 weeks' gestation and above.
Pēpi admitted to the NNU are usually from Southland, including Fiordland, Queenstown and Stewart Island. However, if Dunedin or other centres are at capacity, Invercargill may admit out-of-district pēpi.
Pēpi who are born before 32 weeks or require a high level of intensive care would initially be supported by our paediatric department while waiting transfer to Dunedin's Level 3 NICU for ongoing medical care.
To support a safe transition from NNU to home, a homecare service is also available.