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New Sleeping Bag Lights Up Baby Jaundice Care
12 Jan
Summary
- New service provides home phototherapy for newborns with jaundice.
- Device resembles a sleeping bag, delivering therapeutic light at home.
- Scotland's largest health board launched the Hospital at Home initiative.
Scotland's largest health board has launched an innovative service allowing newborns with jaundice to receive treatment at home. The Hospital at Home program, implemented by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, utilizes a unique sleeping bag-style device that delivers therapeutic light, a phototherapy treatment for neonatal jaundice. This advancement aims to provide comfort and convenience for families by avoiding the need for hospital readmission.
Neonatal jaundice, a common condition affecting many newborns, occurs due to elevated bilirubin levels and typically requires several days of phototherapy. Previously, mothers and babies often had to return to the hospital for this treatment, which could be disruptive during the critical early days at home. The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow's neonatal unit leads this new initiative, ensuring safe and comfortable care within the family environment.
The service has already made a positive impact, as experienced by Alicia Hardie and her partner when their premature daughter, Cora, required phototherapy. Learning about the Hospital at Home service after initial hospital stays, they found it to be a welcome relief. After just two days of using the at-home device, Cora's jaundice levels improved, allowing the family to finally settle in at home.
