The parents of a newborn baby who developed jaundice have praised medics for allowing them to spend Christmas at home – thanks to a pioneering service.
Little Amber Stephens was given special light therapy treatment at her home in Perry Barr thanks to the Paediatric Virtual Ward team from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
She was referred to the team by midwives from the organisation.
Parents Adam and Kirsty were given special training around how to use a special cocoon system to treat the condition, whilst nurses regularly visited the infant to ensure she was improving by carrying out various health checks.
Adam said: “Amber who was only six days old at the time, had a case of jaundice, but she’s now doing much, much better thanks to the care of the nurses.
“Amber was provided with a cocoon system to treat her jaundice in the comfort of our own home without having to be admitted to hospital. The system was absolutely amazing and with it being at such an important time of the year, it meant we could have family around at Christmas.
“The staff were brilliant, they’d come out to us every day to check Amber’s bloods and the turnaround of the results were so quick. We saw an instant change – when she came out of the cocoon, she radiated with glow, happiness and she seemed more like herself.”
Ruth Hartland, Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Paediatric Virtual Ward, led Amber’s treatment.
She said: “Providing an alternative to hospital-based treatment for our babies with jaundice enables families to be together and bond with their new infant.
“It’s a quick and effective treatment suitable for community care. I’m glad the family found it such a positive experience and hopefully we can continue to help other families to avoid hospital admission going forward.”
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