Plunket to end car-seat service

Expectant mother Sarah Jager and daughter Zoe D'Arcy-Wright (15 months) collect a rental capsule...
Expectant mother Sarah Jager and daughter Zoe D'Arcy-Wright (15 months) collect a rental capsule from Plunket for the newest addition to their family, who is expected to arrive next week. Photo by Haley Thom

A national decline in demand for Plunket's car-seat service will force the closure of the thriving Dunedin branch by the end of next year.

In 1981, Plunket launched its successful car-seat initiative here in Dunedin, and after 34 years the city will be one of the last to withdraw the service .

Plunket announced a nationwide decision in April to phase out the programme, which allowed people to buy or hire car seats at an affordable price, by December 2016, due to a decline in demand.

Last week, Plunket Dunedin car-seat service store worker Pauline Bootten confirmed the service would cease in Dunedin next year, but said the exact date had yet to be decided.

''It's still in the process of being discussed but we are looking to be staying open until December 2016,'' she said.

Up to 20 car seats were rented from the Dunedin branch each week but that increased during holiday periods, Mrs Bootten said.

Plunket car-seat service manager Kathryn Impelmans said the decision to move away from selling and renting car seats to focus on advocacy and education had been made in response to families' changing needs.

Plunket's car-seat service began in Dunedin, and the service had helped get more children in car seats over the years. When the service launched, Plunket research found only 20% of children travelled in car seats.

Now, the Ministry of Transport had found more than 90% of children travelled in car seats, Mrs Impelmans said.

The Dunedin service in Lorne St was busier than ever and now also operated from Oxford St Early Years Hub on Thursday mornings.

''We're asking customers to come and hire and buy car seats from Plunket as they usually would. We're busy over Christmas with short-term hires so if you'd like to get a seat over this time, book early,'' Mrs Impelmans said.

She said there had been no date set for the withdrawal of the Plunket car-seat service in Dunedin.

''Our focus is on providing a service today, tomorrow and for the coming months.''

Local mother Sarah Jager hired a seat from Plunket for her daughter last year, and was so happy with the service she returned to Plunket to hire a capsule for her unborn son, who is expected to arrive next week.

Anglican Family Care Family Start programme team leader Lauris Polson said the organisation worked with some of the most vulnerable families in Dunedin and South/Central Otago, many on low incomes.

''The Plunket programme currently provides car seats at very reasonable prices both for rental or purchase.

''This is especially important for parents who themselves may be vulnerable and may be struggling with any number of challenges in their lives,'' Ms Polson said.

Plunket was able to advise parents which seat was best for their child and assisted with fitting and other questions at any time, not just at the point of purchase or hire, she said.

''A possible and potentially serious consequence of the withdrawal of the Plunket service is that more parents may turn to buying second-hand car seats, with no knowledge of ... how to install and use them safely,'' Ms Polson said.

- by Haley Thom 

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement