People encouraged to donate to Darent Valley Hospital's Little Buds fund (From News Shopper)

People encouraged to donate to Darent Valley Hospital's Little Buds fund

3:10pm Sunday 5th August 2012 in News By Kelly Smale

A NEWS Shopper backed campaign has seen Darent Valley Hospital raise vital funds for its special care baby unit over the last year.

The hospital's Little Buds Fund provides essential equipment for the unit and staff have compiled a £400,000 wish list of equipment they need to enhance services.

So far more than £140,600 has been raised through coffee mornings, sponsored walks, runs and bike rides.

This has enabled them to buy two vapotherms, worth £4,450 each, which encourage babies to take bigger and deeper breaths.

Other purchases include five portable electric breast pumps totalling £5,000, two biliblankets for £4,704 and two bilirubin monitors at £4,000, which monitor a baby in the womb.

Neo-natal support assistant, Karen Smith, said: "It's not until you start working in the unit that you realise what a marvellous job these doctors and nurses do.

"The fund gives them a boost with equipment and helps them do their job even better."

Mrs Smith recently raised £3,370 for the fund by holding an Elvis tribute night at Higham Village Hall.

The 48-year-old said: "It's really important that people continue to support Little Buds, you never know when you're going to be in the situation where you need the special care baby unit.

"Without the support of people, we are not going to be able to continue expanding the good work we do."

Fundraising manager Tracey Cummins said: "Our thanks to everyone who have given their help, also a big thank you to News Shopper for their support which has enabled the unit to showcase how much can be done to help babies in the womb before they are born and those who may need help after they are born."

To get involved, email Tracey.Cummins@dvh.nhs.uk or call 01322 428256.

 

Equipment wish list

 

- Two resuscitaires worth £15,000 each for the delivery suite

- A cordless foetal monitoring system at £27,000

- One blood gas analysis for delivery suite worth £13,800

- One plasma thawer for haemorrhaging mothers costing £5,000

- A ventilator and humidifier costing £16,300

- Two overhead heaters for infants at £2,250 each

- Four overhead phototherapy units costing £4,000

- Six syringe pumps at £1,750 each