NEW HUMIDICRIB SAVES FIRST LIFE AT BAIRNSDALE HOSPITAL
June 13, 2012
A new humidicrib purchased with the assistance of donated money has been instrumental in saving a young baby’s life at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS).
The $30,000 piece of equipment was used for the first time last week to stabilise a newborn boy who experienced difficulty in the early hours of Friday morning.
A team of BRHS health professionals, led by Dr John Urie, was able to save the young boy’s life after he stopped breathing and hospital management has extended thanks to the local community.
“The humidicrib that was delivered just two weeks ago has been worth its weight in gold,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer Michelle Gardiner.
“We purchased the latest humidicrib with the assistance of $15,000 in donated money from our hospital volunteers and it allowed our highly skilled team to provide the best possible care for the baby.”
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester was visiting the hospital on Friday and met the relieved parents, Casey Lord and Matt Wickham.
The couple have named their son Pilot and he took his first flight on Friday afternoon when he was transferred to Melbourne for specialist care.
“It was vital that Pilot was able to receive the best possible care in Bairnsdale when his condition deteriorated unexpectedly a few hours after he was born,” Mr Chester said.
“All credit must go to the staff for doing such a wonderful job, but without the latest equipment, their job would have been more difficult.
“It is terrific to see the money donated by various community groups has been able to have a direct role in saving a young person’s life.
“We are fortunate in this community to have such great support for the local hospital.”
Mr Chester wished Matt, Casey and Pilot a speedy recovery and all the best for the future.