A new addition to Dunedin\u2019s neonatal intensive care unit (Nicu) will wrap love around families going through utter grief, thanks to the support of a wh\u0101nau who faced a \u2018\u2018Nicu journey\u2019\u2019 of their own.<\/p>\n
Little Miracles Trust staff and supporters marked the opening of the Te Wahi Aroha\/Time of Love room with waiata and karakia yesterday , a new space in Dunedin Hospital\u2019s neonatal intensive care unit (Nicu).<\/p>\n
The trust\u2019s Dunedin support co-ordinator, Shelley Gorman, said Nicu wanted to provide a \u2018\u2018thoughtful, caring\u2019\u2019 environment for families following the death of a baby.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018What we realised is in times of bereavement, they have this very clinical hospital space that isn’t necessarily fit for [that] purpose. It’s fit for being a hospital,\u2019\u2019 Mrs Gorman said.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We felt that it was really important to humanise that journey and to make that journey as nice as it can be in a time of utter grief.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The room included a double sofa bed so the parents and baby could lie together, rather than in a separate hospital bed and cot, as was done previously.<\/p>\n
It was possible due to support from the Houliston wh\u0101nau and Lodge St Patrick Dunedin.<\/p>\n
Lauren Houliston said her family was pleased to contribute to the space, as her son Lochie, 2, had a \u2018\u2018Nicu journey\u2019\u2019 of his own.<\/p>\n
In August 2023, newborn Lochie spent two weeks in the unit, followed by other hospital stays, surgeries and a Life Flight to Christchurch.<\/p>\n
Now he \u2018\u2018is a lovely, energetic, cheeky wee 2 and a-half year old,\u2019\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n
During their time in Dunedin Hospital, the family was bolstered by nurses, doctors and Little Miracles staff, who provided meals and emotional support.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We wanted to give back to Dunedin Hospital and Little Miracles who have supported us throughout our health journey.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Although her family was not touched by baby loss, Ms Houliston said they were happy to help address a need identified by the hospital community.<\/p>\n
Perhaps symbolically, Te Wahi Aroha was the room in which Lochie stayed as a baby.<\/p>\n
Lodge St Patrick Dunedin secretary Mel Darling said it was a \u2018\u2018great thing to support\u2019\u2019 and steward of charities Frank Griffin said there was arguably a greater need for charitable contributions to society now than ever before.<\/p>\n
Mrs Gorman said the room also included thoughtful items such as tea, coffee and a kettle and a basket of toiletries.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We’re really trying to make it very thoughtful, very caring, and as low-impact as we can be in what is otherwise a really, really traumatic loss situation.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n