The Neo-Natal Trust (Otago) has launched a $10,000 fund to support ongoing education for neo-natal nurses.
Trust chairwoman Debbie Sinclair said it was a way of giving something back to the nurses for their work, although nothing would ever adequately repay them for what they did for families.
The trust, which usually worked more with families, was aware that nurses often found it harder than doctors to get funding for ongoing education.
It also recognised the importance of continuing education in this field.
The fund had been buoyed by a generous donation from a family, who did not wish to be named, whose baby had died in the neo-natal intensive care unit, she said.
It was hoped more money would be contributed to the fund every year.
The 18-month-old division of the national trust has recently provided "survival packs" for Christchurch families with babies in the Dunedin unit.
"It's bad enough having a sick baby, let alone in a town that is not your own."
The trust supports families with babies in the unit in a variety of ways, including giving lunch packs containing non-perishable food to parents who may not be eligible for hospital meals and petrol vouchers for families who have babies in the unit for more than seven days.
Interest in the trust's work in Otago was increasing, as was its membership of 30, she said.
