New life support courses ensure safer deliveries for Norwich babies

Newborn babies in Norwich will be delivered under even safer conditions following the introduction of Newborn Life Support (NLS) Courses, a scheme supported by the premature baby charity, BLISS.

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is at the forefront of a UK drive to standardize resuscitation techniques with newborn babies, as a standard set of rules is much needed. BLISS members, Giselle Brown and Mandy Brooks will present resuscitation equipment, essential for teaching the course, to course director Dr Julian Eason on Wednesday at the baby unit. Babies who have been resuscitated since the introduction of the course will also be present.

Giselle Brown and Mandy Brooks represent the South Woodham Ferrers branch of BLISS who raised the £6,090 to purchase the equipment.

Resuscitating babies at birth needs specialist training but practice has changed over the years leading to some confusion and anxiety about what procedures are correct.    “The NLS course aims to reduce the fear factor for those entering or working in areas where resuscitation of the newborn may be required” says Dr Julian Eason, Course Director. NLS is aimed at all health workers regardless of their discipline or status such as midwives, neonatal nurses, paramedics, nursing staff, and junior and senior medical staff.

BLISS Chief Executive Rob Williams commented “one of our priorities is to ensure that all babies get the best possible care in those first few vital minutes of their life and support of this new course provides BLISS with just that opportunity”.
 
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE DAY

Notes to Editors: 

BLISS – the premature baby charity, was founded in 1979 to give every baby an equal start in life.  It seeks to achieve this through the donation of life saving equipment to neonatal units nationwide, the sponsorship of nurse training, funding research, awareness raising and supporting parents and families of special care babies.

Media Contact: Ruth Powys at BLISS on 0870 770 0337