|
Royal Oldham - Phototherapy Units (102)
The Royal Oldham Hospital Maternity Unit currently handles an average of 3,500 births each year, and this figure is set to rise following the changes in maternity services across Greater Manchester in the next three years. The post-natal ward is used by mothers and babies in the first days after birth, until the family are ready to take the baby home. A common problem to arise a few days after birth is that babies develop jaundice. This is caused by the liver not fully functioning, and therefore not clearing away bilirubin in the blood. Oldham treats 1,700 babies each year with this condition.
Jaundice affects at least 50% of full-term babies and 70% of preterm babies. Not all of these babies will need phototherapy treatment, but where bilirubin levels rise babies will need to be exposed to phototherapy. In the past this would have meant transfer to the Special Care Baby Unit. By providing improved equipment to the post-natal ward babies can stay with their mothers and still receive the treatment they need.
We would like to provide a biliblanket. This is a separate blanket that can be placed around the baby, and allow treatment to be given while the mother is cuddling or feeding the newborn. It helps to keep the baby with its Mother, helping bonding and reducing stress. We also hope to provide three bilibeds. These again allow the baby to stay on the ward, and encase the baby’s body without the need for eye protection and incubator care.
Each bilibed will cost £1,795.50 and the BiliBlanket will cost £2,798.70. The total cost will be £8,185.20. UPDATE: We have secured the funds for the phototherapy equipment, and it was ordered in October 2009
|
