Strategic decision support for the expansion strategy of a national breastmilk banking network

Abstract

The South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR) is a public benefit organisation that coordinates the equitable distribution of donor breast milk to neo-natal intensive care units (NICUs). The donated breast milk aids in combating infections in premature infant recipients, thereby decreasing premature infant mortality rates and saving hospitals substantial amounts in treatment costs annually. Increased awareness of the benefits and availability of donated breast milk in NICUs has significantly increased the demand for the SABR’s service, thus necessitating the rapid expansion and evolution of the SABR’s breast milk banking network. An expansion strategy was developed to decentralise the network and reduce the operational load on the SABR head office, enabling sustainable national expansion. Strategic decision-support models were developed to aid the planning of the network structure and site selections. These models inform decisions regarding the establishment of corner sites (interim collection and storage facilities).