Royal Bolton Hospital - Blood Gas Analyser

The Princess Anne Maternity Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital handles the births of over 1,800 babies each year, and takes patients from across the borough of Bolton, as well as parts of Lancashire and Greater Manchester. One in ten babies will need some sort of intervention, to avoid serious complications at birth.

The health of babies and children starts before birth, and events that happen in the ante-natal period and during labour can have profound effects on health in childhood. Cerebral Palsy is one of the most serious outcomes for babies who have complications at birth. If a baby is considered to be at high risk, either due to an early labour, a prolonged labour or health problems with the mother, heart rates are continually monitored. If an abnormality is suspected a blood sample can be taken from the baby’s scalp in order to measure the pH of the blood.

At present the ward has two blood gas analysers, but they are old and not as accurate as the new equipment on the market today.The new equipment is also invaluable for use after birth, if the baby needs to be transferred up to the Neo –Natal Unit. Nearly all babies requiring special care require blood gas analysis to monitor their condition.

The Blood Gas Analyser costs £7,500.00.