27 August 2010
Babies in the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) who need to be flown to the UK for specialised care are to benefit from a new transport incubator system.
The new equipment will be demonstrated at Aviation Beauport on Wednesday 1 September.
The purchase of the system has partly been made possible through large donations from the League of Friends and fundraising efforts by staff at Jersey Post.
Describing the new system, SCBU Sister Anne Patterson said "The new system consists of the incubator itself, a vital signs monitor, intravenous administration pumps and a ventilator which are all an integral part of a bespoke trolley. This is in contrast to the old system which required the monitor and pumps to be attached individually to the trolley each time it was used.
‘The old system required a considerable amount of man power, ie several firemen, ambulance crew and pilots to load it aboard the plane. In contrast, the new system in conjunction with the specific loading system Capital have installed in their air ambulance means it will only require a small lift by 2 people."
The total cost for the new incubator, trolley, pumps and monitor was £68,895. The donation from League of Friends was £30,000 and Jersey Post staff fundraising contributed over £7,000.
“Already this year we have had 11 babies flown to or back from the UK for treatment and this specialist equipment is essential to their safe and comfortable transportation," said Anne Patterson.
“We want to give all babies in SCBU the very best care. Having a baby flown to the UK for treatment is obviously a worrying time for parents, but we want to offer the best service and equipment we can in order to give them peace of mind.
“On behalf of all at SCBU, we would like to thank both the League of Friends and Jersey Post staff for their incredible support and generosity; this piece of equipment will make a huge difference to all who use it."
Honorary Secretary for the League of Friends, Carole Penfold, said “All the money raised by the League of Friends from the shop, coffee shop and trolleys at the General Hospital and Day Centres is spent on requests from hospital staff when they see a need for an item in their particular area. We are delighted to have been able to put funds towards this important piece of equipment and to finally see it arrive on the Island. We look forward to funding other worthwhile items in the future.”
Chief executive at Jersey Post, Ian Carr, said “As a business we are delighted to be able to assist local charities and organisations who do such incredible work within our island community. We are thrilled that the fundraising efforts of our staff will help the SCBU make such a difference to the lives of islanders."
Both the League of Friends and Jersey Post staff will be thanked for their contributions at the airport on 1 September.
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