An expanded neonatal unit at Victoria General Hospital will save mothers facing difficult births one of medicines most stressful interventions a plane trip.
Joanne Laforce, nurse clinician in the neonatal unit at Victoria General Hospital, said one of her toughest jobs is supporting parents once theyve been told they must fly elsewhere because the neonatal unit is full.
Its a very stressful time for them.
In the year ending last April, 17 Vancouver Island mothers were flown to the U.S. and five flown out of province to guarantee them the required level of care.
But the necessity for those plane trips is expected to decrease with the expanded neonatal unit, which was launched unofficially last summer and opened for a media tour yesterday. Already, the number of transfers has dropped to just two since last April.
With an extra $1.4 million from the B.C. Ministry of Health, the neonatal unit has doubled its acute-care capacity from three to six beds.
Extra funding has allowed the unit to take on a third neonatal specialist doctor. Four new nurse clinicians have been appointed and full-time dedicated respiratory therapists have been added, along with more nurses, many of them new to the field.
The new unit is expected to serve Vancouver Islands most difficult newborn cases, most notably tiny, premature babies, some born after only 24 weeks gestation, weighing as little as 750 grams.
They can fit in the palm of my hand, said neonatal specialist Dr. Cherrie Tan-Dy.
Tan-Dy said the level of intensive care required for premature babies also helps other newborns facing problems such as respiratory troubles or needing intensive care after surgery.
With the three extra beds, it allows us a lot more flexibility with the care we can provide.
Dr. Richard Taylor, the newest neonatal specialist on the unit, said the only conditions the unit wont handle now are neonatal heart problems and some neurological problems.
Otherwise, Taylor said the unit is well staffed with the nurses, technicians, doctors and other care providers to handle Vancouver Islands most challenged newborns.
Neonatal care is quite specialized care, said Taylor. It takes a team effort.
rwatts@tc.canwest.com
