New unit helps streamline maternity care

Wimmera Base Hospital’s newest neonatal ventilation unit has provided an important change for Grampians Health midwives with maternity teams. 

Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation purchased the Drager ventilation unit for the Yandilla ward as part of a $115,000 donation made earlier this year. Yandilla Nurse Unit Manager Michelle Coutts said a lot of background research was done prior to purchasing the Drager unit. 

“The Drager unit has better functionality and a better interactive screen than the previous unit but more importantly it is the same cot that Ballarat’s maternity team uses,” Ms Coutts said. 

“This is very important because among the team, we have several midwives who transition between the two campuses. This means from a training and education perspective there is a clear familiarity with the equipment. 

“We have also done the same with the latest ventilator we purchased. It’s the same model as Ballarat’s.” 

Ms Coutts said having the same brand also made things easier with troubleshooting and maintenance. 

“It’s just made things more efficient all round. This particular unit will remain in the nursery and is being used for stabilisation but also for full intensive resuscitation when necessary. 

“We are very grateful to the Foundation for their continued and generous support. They are providing a real comfort for both parents and our team, knowing that our babies have the best equipment possible.” 

Foundation president Graeme Hardman said his committee had donated several items to maternity services at the Horsham campus in recent years, including birthing beds and cribs for Yandilla and an ultrasound for Horsham Maternity Clinic. 

“We are pleased to be able to provide continued support to Grampians Health’s Horsham and Dimboola campuses,” he said.