Tapara said there was also water ingress above the unit\u2019s main entrance, where he could hear water dripping.<\/p>\n
He provided a video, which he said showed the main security access door to the SCBU \u201cfailing to latch or lock automatically\u201d after being opened.<\/p>\n
Rotorua father Te Kawana Tapara has raised concerns about leaks at Rotorua Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Other infrastructure issues were brought to his attention \u201cby multiple parties familiar with the ward\u2019s long-standing maintenance failures\u201d.<\/p>\n
Tapara claimed the hospital had to shut down power units to avoid fire and electrocution when it rained, \u201cmeaning essential services for these babies are being cut off\u201d.<\/p>\n
In his view: \u201c\u200bThe facility is in a state of decay \u2013 rotten floors \u2026 and an isolation room that isn\u2019t airtight.\u201d<\/p>\n
He claimed the HVAC\/heat pump system issues meant temperatures in the unit fluctuated. <\/p>\n
In his view: \u201cIf this were a private daycare, WorkSafe would have shut it down by now. Why is a public hospital held to a lower standard?\u201d<\/p>\n
Te Kawana Tapara and his daughter, Amerah, who was born at 33 weeks on February 3 and has been in Rotorua Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit since. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
He said there were several premature babies in SCBU, including his daughter, who was \u201cfighting to grow\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think she should be fighting a failing building at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Father demands action<\/p>\n
Tapara contacted Health NZ on Friday about the \u201ccritical infrastructure failures\u201d and sent a petition calling for \u201curgent intervention\u201d.<\/p>\n
He asked for a response within 24 hours outlining steps taken to secure the SCBU entrance lock, the emergency mitigation plan for electrical units during rain, and the relocation protocol for infants should the incubator room continue to leak.<\/p>\n
The petition asked for \u201can instant, transparent fix\u201d for the roofing and electrical systems, a health and safety report confirming the ward was safe for neonatal occupancy, and a plan for the SCBU\u2019s modernisation to meet national health standards.<\/p>\n
He contacted WorkSafe on Saturday about his concerns.<\/p>\n
\u2018Significant refurbishment\u2019 approved <\/p>\n
The Rotorua Daily Post put Tapara\u2019s concerns to Health NZ.<\/p>\n
In a Wednesday statement, Health NZ Lakes operations group director Alan Wilson said patient and staff safety was its top priority and it would meet with Tapara to discuss the issues he raised.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe acknowledge these matters and understand they are concerning for wh\u0101nau, particularly when they involve our most vulnerable babies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson said the roof above the unit had experienced \u201chistoric leaking during periods of heavy rain\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen leaks have occurred, they have been addressed promptly. The recent incident was responded to immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson said Lakes staff had \u201cappropriately raised concerns relating to the leaks\u201d. These were escalated and managed in line with its standard maintenance processes.<\/p>\n
Te Kawana Tapara has called for action to address leaks at Rotorua Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen any service advises us of an issue, we act quickly to assess and rectify it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson said the security door referenced needed repair and work was under way.<\/p>\n
The door was in a \u201cclimate-controlled clinical environment\u201d and was prioritised accordingly.<\/p>\n
Wilson said the facilities team regularly serviced, assessed and repaired the area\u2019s infrastructure as part of its ongoing maintenance programme.<\/p>\n
Importantly, the SCBU was scheduled for \u201csignificant refurbishment\u201d as part of a wider capital works programme approved last week, he said.<\/p>\n
This project included a \u201cfull roof replacement\u201d, upgrades to air conditioning and electrical systems, replacement of the air handling unit within the HVAC system, and \u201ca general upgrade of the facility\u201d.<\/p>\n
The floor replacement would be part of the upgrade, with maintenance done as required.<\/p>\n
The total project budget had not yet been formalised, but seed funding of $300,000 to progress design and business casing was approved by the Regional Investment Committee last week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese improvements will provide a more resilient and modern environment for our most vulnerable patients, their wh\u0101nau and our staff,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe remain confident in the safety of clinical care being delivered within SCBU and will continue to monitor and maintain the environment while the approved redevelopment work progresses.\u201d<\/p>\n
A WorkSafe New Zealand spokesperson said it received a health and safety concern about the SCBU and reviewed the information; however, Health NZ was responsible for keeping hospital buildings and clinical spaces safe and fit for use.<\/p>\n