Born too soon: improving preterm birth pregnancy care across Aotearoa

Almost 1 in 10 babies in Aotearoa are born preterm. The chance of this happening is different for whānau depending on the region they live in and the ethnic group they belong to. Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal death and may also be associated with lifelong disability, and poor health and wellbeing.

The Carosika Collaborative is a national stakeholder-led group working together as a community to help change this. Their shared purpose is to co-ordinate initiatives and champion change that leads to a reduction in preterm birth, improved preparation for preterm birth and equitable outcomes for all pēpē that are born preterm in Aotearoa.

In this Liggins Institute public lecture, Professor Katie Groom and Dr Lisa Dawes will discuss the work of the Carosika Collaborative. They will focus on specific research projects aimed at enhancing access to and improving the standard of preterm birth care across all of Aotearoa.

Join us for a fascinating evening and stay for drinks and nibbles afterwards if you can.

About the speakers

Professor Katie Groom

Katie Groom (above left) is Professor of Maternal and Perinatal Health at the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland. She is a Subspecialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine at National Women’s Health, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland City Hospital.

Katie has led and is leading several multicentre clinical trials in maternal and perinatal health. She has more recently focussed back to her first clinical and research passion of preterm birth. Katie has been integral to the establishment and ongoing development of the Carosika Collaborative Taonga Tuku Iho, through which she leads and strongly advocates for a transdisciplinary approach to achieving equity in preterm birth care and outcomes for all in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Dr Lisa Dawes

Lisa Dawes (above right) is an academic obstetrician and Maternal Fetal Medicine Subspecialist. Lisa divides her time between clinical work at National Women’s Health, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland City Hospital and the Liggins Institute where she is a Senior Lecturer. Lisa's main research focus is the on care of those at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Lisa is also a passionate member of the Carosika Collaborative.