UPDATE:  This project was completed in 2006

The Philips monitor is a single unit which measures heart rate, oxygen levels, respiration, temperature and blood pressure. It is designed for use with babies born prematurely or with severe health problems, and allows staff to effectively monitor the health of babies with the minimum of intrusion.

The Children’s Unit treats an average of 7000 children each year, and a high percentage of these would benefit from this equipment. At present four different pieces of equipment are used to provide the same information this new monitor would display.   The current equipment is becoming obsolete, and does not allow staff to take invasive blood pressure readings.

To replace the different machines with one comprehensive unit with a clear display screen would free up staff time and thereby improve the levels of care offered to very sick children. This would provide significant health benefits, bringing the standard of care up to that offered in the regional centres of excellence.