Premature babies put at risk by lack of intensive care facilities in hospital

Premature babies put at risk by lack of intensive care facilities in hospital
The Independent, Wednesday, 19 December 2007

The lives of England's most vulnerable babies are being put at risk by a critical shortage of intensive care cots and nurses, an inquiry has found.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/premature-babies-put-at-risk-by-lack-of-intensive-care-facilities-in-hospitals-765889.html

Staff shortages 'put premature babies at risk'
The Guardian, Wednesday 15 October 2008

It used the Freedom of Information Act to secure data from NHS trusts showing a shortfall of 1,700 neonatal nurses, leaving premature baby units unable to provide the recommended standard of care.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/oct/15/children-health

What your prem baby needs

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/prembaby/needs/



The incubator
Keeping warm
Preventing dry skin
Sleep
Protection from infection
Protection from bright light
Protection from noise
Your voice, heartbeat and other body sounds
Your smell
Touch
Nappy changing
Cleaning
Swaddling
Movement
Clothes
Nappies
Toys

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Nurse TV Australia: Neonatal Intensive Care

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Critical decisions

Critical decisions have to be taken by mothers who are about to deliver premature babies, as the babies are likely to suffer from long-term disabilities, and their survival rates are lower. (...)

Three options are presented to women who are about to deliver premature babies, they are:

1) initiate intensive care for the new born baby or resuscitate the baby;
2) keeping the baby comfortable without resorting to medical care procedures;
3) resuscitate the baby if its condition is good, otherwise go in for comfort and care.

(...)

Date:12/3/2005

http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news/Critical-Decisions-Have-To-Be-Taken-By-Mothers-Of-Premature-Babies-6023-1/

Newborn senses

It should be noted that in the cases of sight and hearing, premature babies are more at risk for developing problems. Additionally, any injury to the brain will likely have some impact on the development of the senses. Premature babies should be checked for eye and hearing problems before they leave the NICU and at regular intervals following that.

this artile describes the development of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. click the link below:

http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/PrematureBabies/Newborn-senses.aspx?articleID=7539&categoryID=PI-nh4-05a

Inside the Preemie Brain

Incubator Enables MRI Scans on Preemies for Preventing Birth Asphyxia.

December 1, 2005 — Designed by a team of doctors, nurses, and engineers, a specially designed incubator allows premature babies to receive MRI scans to assess their health. The scans can measure many indicators, such as the levels of various metabolic substances in the body, to reveal whether or not a baby may have developmental problems, enabling parents to take therapeutic steps sooner for their children.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2005/1211-inside_the_preemie_brain.htm

*Has a nice video