Rotary funds benefit sick newborns

Rockingham General Hospital recently received a donation from a community group to help its youngest patients.

The Rotary Club of Rockingham gave $7000 to the neonatal unit for the purchase of a light therapy machine to better treat babies born with jaundice.

The equipment produces phototherapy light through a blanket, allowing the baby to lie in their own cot or be held by their mother during treatment.

The equipment will benefit new mothers and babies like Emily Elliot and son Noah, who recently underwent light therapy at the hospital. Clinical midwifery specialist Elaine Kottler said the new equipment would provide faster and more effective light therapy to an average of three babies a week.

“The machine allows the mother to feed their baby while they are still receiving treatment, reducing interruptions to treatment and letting mums bond with their newborn,” she said.

Rotary Club of Rockingham community services director Darrel Donavan and member Beth Phillips visited the RGH neonatal unit to present the cheque. Mr Donavan said the funds were raised from the Rotary Mart markets held on Sundays.

“We are very proud to be using the funds to help our local hospital and want to show people that their support of the markets is helping our community,” he said.