Plunket March 2010 Appeal delayed

*28 February 2011* As a result of this week’s earthquake in Christchurch, Plunket’s March Appeal has been delayed. Plunket’s current focus is on getting Christchurch based services up and running and to provide assistance to Christchurch’s families and children. If any funds are received as a result of advertising material placed prior to Tuesday’s earthquake, those funds will be directed to assist families and children in the Canterbury region.

Tags: Appeal Earthquake Christchurch 0 comments 28 February 2011

Plunket applauds Advertising Standards Authority decision

*15 February 2011* Plunket says the Advertising Standards Authority decision to uphold a complaint against a television advertisement that showed a baby lying face down is a great step towards putting the safety of our infants first. “Sudden Unexpected Death of an Infant (SUDI), also known as cot death, claims the life of over 60 children under one year of age every year in New Zealand,” says Plunket Clinical Advisor Maria Browne. “Babies spend a lot of time asleep so it’s important for parents and care givers to understand the facts and the things they can do to help reduce the risks of SUDI.

Tags: sudi cot death Safety maria brown 0 comments 15 February 2011

Immunisation rate at record high

*14 February 2011* Plunket welcomes the news that New Zealand’s childhood immunisation rate is now at a record high. “Particularly pleasing to see is the 14 per cent increase in the immunisation rate among the Maori and Pacific communities,” says Plunket clinical advisor Allison Jamieson. “Immunisation is a vitally important a tool to protect New Zealand families and communities.

Tags: immunisation Allison Jamieson vaccination 2 comments 14 February 2011

Preschool Drownings Require Action

*7 February 2011* Six children under the age of five have drowned in New Zealand during 2011. This represents nearly a quarter of the total drowning toll of 26. In 2010 only six preschool children drowned and the average (last five years) is eight.

Tags: drowning water safety water safety NZ Sue Campbell 0 comments 7 February 2011

Keep kids safe on the roads

*4 February 2011* Plunket is urging people to keep an eye out for children as they head back to school this week. As New Zealand’s largest provider of services to support the health and development of children under five, Plunket recognises many children will be venturing off to school for the first time. Sue Campbell, Plunket’s National Child Safety Advisor says parents will often have a lot to deal with getting children to school, but needed to remember to keep them safe.

Tags: road safety Sue Campbell Car seats 0 comments 4 February 2011