Important to invest in the ongoing professional development of healthcare professionals

In a collaborative effort to bolster healthcare training and improve outcomes for preterm infants, Māia Health Foundation and the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation joined forces to acquire a preterm manikin for Christchurch Women's Hospital. This innovative addition, named Preterm Annie, revolutionised nurse training by providing a specialised platform for practicing lifesaving skills tailored specifically for small and preterm babies.

Unlike standard-size infant manikins previously used for training, Preterm Annie offers a more realistic simulation, allowing nurses to refine their procedure skills and handling practices in a safe and controlled environment.

Edna Byron, Nurse Educator of Neonatal at Christchurch Women's Hospital, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support provided by Māia Health Foundation and the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation.

"Preterm Anne is such a busy person that she has her own date diary!" she exclaimed. "She enables nurses, caring for very small preterm infants, to develop their procedure skills and handling practices. This wasn't possible with the normal-size infant manikins we had before, and it has contributed to the confidence and dexterity of our team."

The acquisition of Preterm Annie in 2021 represented a significant investment in the ongoing professional development of healthcare professionals and underscores the commitment of Māia Health Foundation and the Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation to advancing healthcare excellence. By providing access to cutting-edge training tools like Preterm Annie, hospitals can empower their staff with the skills and confidence needed to deliver the highest standard of care to their patients.