“Generous Donation Empowering PCH: Telethon 2023 Brings Life-saving Ultrasound Machine to Patients’ Bedsides”

Telethon 2023: Donor’s Bedside Ultrasound Machine Helping PCH Clinicians Keep Newborn Babies Alive

Introduction

In a heart-wrenching story from Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), a one-week-old baby named Reia Jani faced a life-threatening situation due to a blockage in her lungs caused by swallowing meconium. Doctors at PCH considered bypass surgery to overcome the critical condition but were able to avoid it with the help of a donated bedside ultrasound machine. This remarkable development not only saved Reia’s life but also shed light on the invaluable role played by modern medical equipment in neonatal care.

A Challenging Start

Reia Jani was born on September 29, weighing 3.35kg at St John of God Hospital in Mount Lawley. However, soon after birth, it became apparent that she had swallowed meconium. This caused her lungs to become blocked, leaving her in desperate need of immediate specialist care at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Reia was quickly transferred to PCH, separating her from her worried parents. Her mother, Dimi Jani, recalls the initial hope that the situation would be resolved quickly, with the meconium being cleared from Reia’s lungs. However, their hopes were shattered when they received a call the next day notifying them that Reia’s condition had worsened.

A Glimmer of Hope

At PCH, Reia was hooked up to several monitors, and her oxygen saturation levels were alarmingly low. Her parents were advised by a heart surgeon about a risky procedure that involved pumping blood outside of Reia’s body to remove carbon dioxide. If the procedure didn’t yield positive results, the doctors would have had to turn off life support, leading to a devastating loss for the Jani family.

Fortunately, against all odds, Reia’s oxygen saturation levels began to improve, and she miraculously avoided the need for bypass surgery. This positive outcome can be attributed, in part, to the use of a cardiovascular ultrasound machine that had been gifted to PCH by a generous Telethon donor.

The Importance of the Ultrasound Machine

The bedside ultrasound machine played a crucial role in Reia’s care during those critical hours after her birth. Dr. Dimple Goel, a neonatologist at PCH, explained that the machine allowed doctors to examine the organs of critically ill newborns in need of urgent lifesaving intervention. It provided real-time information to diagnose, treat, and monitor the effectiveness of medical interventions.

Dr. Goel emphasized the significance of such equipment, stating that it was not only useful in the short term but also had long-term value for neonatal care. She further highlighted that the ability to use the machine at any time, even during late-night emergencies, made it an indispensable tool for doctors facing life-and-death decisions.

Training and Future Implications

Thanks to the success of Reia’s case, Dr. Goel now trains neonatal intensive care doctors at PCH in the effective use of the ultrasound machine. The equipment has garnered international attention, with doctors worldwide seeking training to enhance their own neonatal care capabilities. The widespread recognition of its utility underscores its importance in the field of newborn medicine.

A Positive Outcome

After spending almost a month at PCH, Reia Jani was finally on the road to recovery. She was transferred back to Mount Lawley and joyously reunited with her parents and older sister, Kaia. Mum Dimi Jani expressed her gratitude towards the PCH nurses and doctors who provided exceptional care to Reia and countless other babies in similar situations.

Conclusion

The story of baby Reia Jani’s life-threatening battle and the role played by the donated bedside ultrasound machine serve as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of advanced medical equipment in neonatal care. This case highlights both the fragility and resilience of newborns and the tremendous dedication of healthcare professionals. Moving forward, efforts should be made to increase access to such equipment in hospitals across Australia to ensure the highest standards of care for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.