Thanks to a new radiant overhead heater acquired for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital delivery suite, newborns are now receiving the care and comfort they need from their very first moments.

For newborns, maintaining stable body temperature in the first few hours of life is crucial. Hypothermia in neonates can lead to serious complications and, in some cases, result in unnecessary admissions to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), separating babies from their mothers in those critical early bonding moments.

Midwife Jamie Logan explains the importance of the infant warmer, sharing that “neonates who are growth restricted, small for gestational age, or born to diabetic mothers are at a higher risk of becoming hypothermic during the postnatal period.” Having this specialised equipment in the delivery suite means these babies can be continuously monitored during skin-to-skin contact with their parents while also receiving radiant heat if necessary.

Already, they’re seeing results, with a 78% success rate for at-risk newborns who use the warmer avoiding SCBU admission.

“We anticipate that this technology will be invaluable in promoting family-centred care,” says Jamie.

Keeping mothers and babies together from the very beginning supports their bond, reduces stress, and improves outcomes for everyone involved.

A heartfelt thank you to Shannon Fleming, LOT.100, and special guest chefs whose efforts with Collab for a Cause raised almost $70,000, helping make this vital project a reality. Together, we are helping South Australian babies, children and their families thrive from the very beginning.

Two brave buddies found themselves on the same unexpected adventure, landing them both in Newland Ward at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Spending time in the hospital can be daunting. But for Sunny (left) and Clarry (right), their time on Newland Ward turned into an unexpected experience that showcased the incredible power of friendship during challenging times.

Two separate bike accidents at their local bike trail, saw the boys both treated at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH). Sunny suffered a ruptured spleen, followed just days later by Clarry who arrived with a serious liver injury from the very same bike jump.

Separated by circumstance but united by friendship, the two boys were soon sharing not only recovery journeys but a hospital room, too. Recovering from serious injuries as a child isn’t just about physical treatment; it’s often just as much about emotional wellbeing. The staff at WCH’s Newland Ward understood this and went above and beyond to ensure that Sunny and Clarry could go through their recovery side by side.

Their families couldn’t be more grateful for the thoughtful care provided not just for the boys’ injuries but for their overall wellbeing.