The range of medical devices designed to saves babies’ lives at St George Hospital was expanded, with a vital donation.
The maternity department received a $4440 Radical-7 Pulse Oximeter from the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia.
By shining a light through the baby’s finger or toe, the device measures the amount of oxygen in the capillaries. This ensures correct and safe oxygen delivery during highly critical times in an effort to prevent damage to the brain, eyes and lungs.
Midwife manager and nurse, Lorena Matthews, says the new tool is an important addition to the ward.
“it will be used in conjunction with our Bilisoft beds to enable close monitoring of newborns requiring phototherapy treatment,” she said.
“Previously, newborns requiring single light phototherapy had to be transferred to the Special Care Nursery to receive this treatment.
“Fortunately, with this new piece of medical equipment, we will be able to provide the same effective care in the maternity ward, which means newborns and their mothers can stay together during their time in hospital.”
Hitachi managing director David Harvey said it wanted to be actively involved in delivering much needed medical equipment to local hospitals.
