Paediatrics consultant Dr Murali Narayanan, clinical midwifery specialist Elaine Kottler, mum Emily Elliot with son Noah, Rockingham Rotary member Beth Phillips and Rockingham Rotary community services director Darrel Donavan.
Camera IconPaediatrics consultant Dr Murali Narayanan, clinical midwifery specialist Elaine Kottler, mum Emily Elliot with son Noah, Rockingham Rotary member Beth Phillips and Rockingham Rotary community services director Darrel Donavan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Rockingham Rotary Club donation to Rockingham General Hospital Neonatal Unit helps buy light therapy machine

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

A DONATION to the Rockingham General Hospital (RGH) Neonatal Unit has proved a shining light for babies.

The Rockingham Rotary Club donated $7000 for RGH to purchase a light therapy machine to treat babies born with jaundice.

The equipment produces phototherapy light through a blanket, allowing the baby to lie in its own cot or be held by the mother during treatment.

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The equipment will benefit new mothers and babies like Emily Elliot and her son Noah, who recently underwent the therapy at the RGH Neonatal Unit.

Clinical Midwifery Specialist Elaine Kottler said the new equipment would provide therapy to an average of three babies per week.

“The machine allows the mother to feed their baby while they are still receiving treatment; reducing interruptions to treatment and letting mums bond with their newborn,” she said.

“We are delighted to receive this donation which will go towards improving the care delivered to mothers and babies at the hospital.”

Rotary Club of Rockingham community services director Darrel Donavan and Rotary member Beth Phillips visited the RGH Neonatal Unit to present Elaine Kottler and paediatrics consultant Murali Narayanan with a cheque on May 18.

Mr Donavan said the funds were raised from the Rotary Mart markets every Sunday on Kent Street.

“We are very proud to be using the funds to help our local hospital and want to show people that their support of the markets is helping our community,” he said.

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