North Manchester General Hospital - Phototherapy Units x2

UPDATE: This equipment was delivered in 2009.

Over the next five years Children’s Services in Greater Manchester will be transformed as part of the Making it Better Strategy. The opening of the New Children’s Hospital in central Manchester will transform services for children in the region, and will absorb many of the specialist services formerly offered at Booth Hall and Pendlebury.

Many of the local services for children and babies that were provided by Booth Hall and Fairfield Hospital will stay in North Manchester and a new Women and Children’s Unit is being built to handle the increased number of patients. This will be a purpose-built unit to be completed in 2010. 

The medical team at North Manchester has identified the equipment needed, and there is a shortfall in the funding available. We have agreed to provide equipment to ensure that the new unit at North Manchester can take its place within the region as a top quality health care provider.

Jaundice affects at least 50% of full-term babies and 70% of preterm babies, and is caused by the liver not fully functioning, and therefore not clearing away bilirubin in the blood. Phototherapy units break down the bilirubin and cut down the risk of complications that can lead to liver damage. These devices allow the baby to stay on the maternity ward with the mother, and avoid transfer to the neo-natal unit.

The units cost £4,000 each and two are required making a total project cost of £8,000.