Key Takeaways:
- Whetūrangitia is a new online platform designed to support families who have experienced stillbirth or perinatal loss
- The platform will allow parents to complete stillbirth registrations in a culturally safe and compassionate environment
- The site aims to connect families with appropriate services and support during a difficult time
- The New Zealand government is committed to providing dignity, care, and support to families who have experienced stillbirth or perinatal loss
- Approximately 700 to 900 families in New Zealand experience perinatal loss each year, with an additional 13,000 to 15,000 families affected by miscarriage before 20 weeks
Introduction to Whetūrangitia
Whetūrangitia is a groundbreaking online platform that has been created with compassion and cultural safety at its core. The platform is designed to support families who have experienced stillbirth or perinatal loss, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to complete stillbirth registrations. According to Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, Whetūrangitia will enable parents to engage with a process that acknowledges their loss and helps connect them with appropriate services and support. This innovative platform is a significant step forward in providing dignity, care, and support to families during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
The Need for Whetūrangitia
The need for Whetūrangitia cannot be overstated. Every year in New Zealand, approximately 700 to 900 families experience perinatal loss, while an additional 13,000 to 15,000 families are affected by miscarriage before 20 weeks. The current system for registering stillbirths can be traumatic and distressing for families, as they are required to complete the same online process designed for parents welcoming home a healthy newborn. This can add unnecessary pain to an already heartbreaking experience. Minister Doocey acknowledged that this is not good enough and that grieving families deserve better. Whetūrangitia is a response to this need, providing a tailored and compassionate approach to supporting families during this difficult time.
Government Support for Whetūrangitia
The New Zealand government is committed to supporting Whetūrangitia, with Health NZ funding the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to build the site. Minister Doocey emphasized the government’s commitment to providing dignity, care, and support to families who have experienced stillbirth or perinatal loss. He stated that this change is a simple but meaningful way to reduce harm and show compassion at one of the most difficult times in someone’s life. The government’s support for Whetūrangitia demonstrates a recognition of the need for a more compassionate and supportive approach to stillbirth registration.
The Importance of Cultural Safety
Whetūrangitia has been designed with cultural safety at its heart. This is essential, as the experience of stillbirth and perinatal loss can be deeply personal and culturally significant. The platform’s culturally safe approach will help to ensure that families feel supported and understood during this difficult time. By acknowledging the cultural significance of stillbirth and perinatal loss, Whetūrangitia can help to reduce the stigma and trauma associated with these experiences. This is a critical aspect of providing effective support to families, as it allows them to feel comfortable seeking help and accessing the services they need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whetūrangitia is a groundbreaking online platform that has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of families who have experienced stillbirth or perinatal loss. By providing a culturally safe and compassionate environment for stillbirth registration, Whetūrangitia can help to reduce the trauma and distress associated with these experiences. The New Zealand government’s support for Whetūrangitia demonstrates a commitment to providing dignity, care, and support to families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. As Whetūrangitia becomes available, it is likely to have a profound impact on the way that stillbirth and perinatal loss are supported in New Zealand, providing a model for other countries to follow.
