Neonatal Units Across the UK Receive Crucial Training Support from New Life Charity
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
As the NHS faces intense pressure and neonatal units remain busier than ever, ongoing specialist training for Neonatal staff is crucial in ensuring positive outcomes for newborns. In a recent development, New Life Special Care Babies, a charity dedicated to supporting neonatal units, received a funding request from St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol for a cutting-edge training manikin.
The request sought support for the Premmie Anne, a newborn simulator collaboratively developed with the American Academy of Paediatrics, specifically designed to enhance neonatal resuscitation. St Michael’s specifically requested a dark-skinned manikin to better represent their diverse staff and patient population. Elizabeth Osmond, Assistant Clinical Lead at the NICU, shared, “This manikin will be used for life support training as part of simulation training in the delivery suites and wards. It will be used by midwives in training, doctors, and neonatal nurses.”
Thanks to the generosity of New Life founder Mr. Trevor Goodall, the charity was able to fund the £2,500 manikin, which has been named ‘Samuel’ by the Trust in honor of one of Mr. Goodall’s twin sons born at 24 weeks in 1995. Sadly, both twins passed away a week later. New Life has previously funded a similar piece of equipment for the Royal Cornwall Hospital, named Joshua.
“Samuel” will allow staff to practice their clinical skills and techniques, particularly in airway management, which is critical in the first 10 minutes after a premature baby is born. The manikin will create a safe and realistic team-centered environment for neonatal specialists to improve their communication and teamwork, ultimately leading to better outcomes for newborns.
New Life operates in a unique way, supplying specialized equipment and items quickly to neonatal units across the UK. Consultants and other neonatal specialists submit requests to the charity, often for equipment that would otherwise take months to obtain through the NHS. Some of the equipment supplied by the charity is not available through NHS funding.
Founded 26 years ago by Mr. Goodall following the premature birth and loss of his twin boys, New Life has grown from a one-time charity golf day into a continuous series of fundraising events. In 2021, the charity reached a significant milestone of £1 million, benefiting numerous families and hospitals across the UK.
To learn more about the charity and how to support their cause, please contact trevor@newlifebabies.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.