Perinatal Data Collection

Data collection on perinatal death commences from 1 July 2006
There are approximately 600 perinatal deaths a year in New Zealand which represents 1% of all births. The aim of the PMMRC is to review and report to the Minister of Health on perinatal deaths with a view to reducing the numbers of deaths, and to continuous quality improvement.

The PMMRC has developed a process for the national collection of data on each perinatal death. Templates for the collection of maternal and infant data (currently only for perinatal death - a process for maternal death is being developed) have been created with consultation.

From 1 July 2006 all Lead Maternity Carers or other health professionals involved in a perinatal death (any infant from 20 weeks gestation or at least 400 gm if gestation not known, up until 28 complete days of life) have been asked to enter the data on a website (www.pmmrc.otago.ac.nz). This usually takes about 20 minutes to complete (although it can take a bit longer). Paper forms will be available to those who do not have access to the internet.

Each District Health Board has a designated Local Co-ordinator . The Local Co-ordinator should be able to help with any questions people have about the processes. The PMMRC will include any significant findings in their publically available national annual reports. At all times every effort is made to ensure the data is secure and that any information remains confidential.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with your Local Co-ordinator or the National PMMRC Co-ordinator, Vicki Masson.