More babies and whānau in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be able to access specialist neonatal care closer to home.

Whakatane Hospital’s Neonatal Unit is to undergo a major upgrade, with refurbishment planned for the summer period.

The upgrade will increase the unit’s capacity from three to four neonatal cots, while creating a mode modern family-friendly environment for newborns requiring specialist care.

Health New Zealand interim group manager for woman, child and family services in Bay of Plenty, Sarah Nicholson said the investment would strengthen neonatal services for the region.

“The refurbishment will create a modern, welcoming, and fit-for-purpose environment that better supports babies, whānau, and staff, while ensuring high-quality specialist care remains available closer to home.”

Built in the early 2000s, the unit currently cares for around 100 babies each year. The upgrade will deliver a brighter, more functional space with increased natural light, improved privacy for whānau, and more bedside room around neonatal cots.

New dedicated areas for breastfeeding, milk preparation and milk storage will support parents caring for babies in the unit, while clinical staff will benefit from additional workspace, dedicated workstations and increased storage capacity.

Planning is also underway for the temporary relocation of Neonatal Unit services to a dedicated area within the Whakatāne Hospital Paediatric Ward while construction takes place.

A local multidisciplinary project team has been established to ensure neonatal care continues throughout the construction period, with minimal disruption to whānau and staff.

The upgrade is expected to be completed in autumn 2027.