Stepping Hill Hospital - Phototherapy Units x4

Stepping Hill Hospital is a busy regional hospital, taking patients from across South Manchester, Stockport and into Cheshire. The Treehouse Children’s Unit treats an average of 3,600 children each year, including babies who have to be re-admitted with complications following birth. A common problem to arise a few days after birth is that babies develop jaundice. This is caused by the liver not fully functioning, and therefore not clearing away bilirubin in the blood.

The Phototherapy Unit is a specially designed light device that is placed over the cot or incubator for a few days. It treats jaundice by shining fluorescent light on the baby day and night, to break down the bilirubin which causes the yellow appearance on the skin. It is anon-invasive treatment, and is usually effective after 2-3 days.

The provision of these devices would allow much greater accuracy,and also cut down on hospital transfers, and therefore massively reduce the pressure on the family at a very difficult time.

By providing the latest in neo-natal medical technology, we can significantly reduce the need for babies to be moved to other hospital sites. Although the ward currently has equipment to perform this function, it is outdated and not as effective. This new equipment works quicker to treat jaundice, therefore reducing the time a baby needs to be in the neo-natal unit, and matching the standard of care at the regional centres of excellence.

The Phototherapy Units will cost £2,800 each. Four are required with a total project cost of £11,200.