Local giving in Latrobe for sick babies

UBC (Uncle Bobs Club) is partnering with Latrobe Regional Hospital to raise $7,000 for a new infant therapy blanket as part of the clubs Local Giving for Local Health program. From now until November 4, the community will be able to donate online, or in-person via UBC donation tins or scheduled events. The Local Giving for Local Health campaign began in 2020, and is a proud part of UBCs 80-year fundraising history that includes the Good Friday Appeal conducted each year.

Latrobe Regional Hospital will purchase an Atom Bili Therapy phototherapy system. It is a portable therapy blanket that is wrapped around a newborn experiencing jaundice. Neonatal jaundice is yellow discoloration of a baby's skin and eyes and occurs when blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment of red blood cells. The therapy blanket exerts a blue light that helps break down high levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Unlike older systems for treating jaundice, the infant therapy blanket allows for the baby to be held, fed, even rocked throughout the therapy session. This promotes a healing environment without interrupting the critical benefits of skin-to-skin contact between infant and parents or caregivers.

With this much needed piece of equipment, phototherapy can be quickly managed in the hospital, significantly decreasing hospital stay. Babies who fit certain criteria will also be able to receive the treatment at home, which will allow otherwise healthy babies to avoid a stay in the hospital.

Neonatal jaundice occurs in 60 per cent of full-term babies and 85 per cent of babies born prematurely. A delay in treatment can result in poor health outcomes and may lead to long-term health effects including cerebral palsy, deafness and/or brain damage.

When the fundraising campaign ends on November 4, 2022, any additional funds raised will go to the hospitals next project.