As we saw in the Census (clickable link), the Coast hosts both ends of the generation gap – with large numbers of population in the juvenile age group, and a growing number of retirees. Which not only puts strain on the infrastructure including public transport and housing, but health services across the coast.
Conservative estimates have an extra 70,000 taking up residency across the Coast, coming from other areas either to start commuting south to Sydney, or spending their golden years here, and a rising number of newborns making their entry into the world in this neck of the woods.
Each year about 4000 of Australia’s 300,000+ babies are born here on the Central Coast, and of these, about 150 need the Neonatal Nursery at Gosford Hospital with breathing or other health issues, like preemies.
One of the most significant projects involving CCLHD in recent times is the Hunter Trial which used a $1.2 million Federal Government grant to determine the effectiveness of a new device to support babies born with breathing difficulties. So far, 650 babies have been enrolled in the study across multiple sites in NSW and Victoria – including the Special Care Nursery at Gosford.
Along with ongoing research into births in regional areas, Gosford Hospital is undergoing a Trial of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) equipment with an aim to keep babies closer to home, and allow them the human contact while receiving treatment.
It’s long been proven that supporting babies’ breathing with nasal prongs (or cannulae) is a decent preventative measure which reduces the risk of further illness or distress, or deaths, and lessens the number of bubs needing to be transferred away from the coast.
The multi-centred randomised trial is comparing 2 different methods of this manner of respiratory support: the traditional nasal prongs and new ‘Hi-Flow’ nasal cannulae which are better fitting, more comfortable, and deliver better oxygen flow to the babies who need some assistance.
It’s hoped that as a result of this research here on the Central Coast, it will have a flow-on effect for even smaller hospitals still, which could lead to a big change in neonatal intensive care; CPAP delivered to 6 babies can prevent at least 1 transfer to larger NICUs and keep the families close.
Once the trial is completed, delivery of care could change around the country, and even have a positive impact in third-world communities.
Meanwhile, the last Friday in June each year gives Coasties a chance to save little lives…
Every day in Australia 9 children die suddenly and unexpectedly. That’s double the national road toll.
Every year, 3,200 Aussie families experience this loss.
Red Nose Day is one way to find out why, and help stop it happening.
Previously known as Sids and Kids, Red Nose Day has helped save an estimated 9,450 lives since the risk reduction campaign began, investing $16.7 million in research, and helping reduce the rate of Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (SUDI) by 80%.
Since last Red Nose Day fundraising has helped:
- invest $238,000 into research relating to SIDS and stillbirth
- hold over 3000 counselling sessions for people affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child
- provide over 1.3 educational kits to new parents
The incidence of SUDI or infant mortality currently stands at 3 per 1000 births in the Central Coast Local Health District, 4.5 in the Hunter New England LHD.
Those needing support for SUDI can contact red nose day- formerly Sids and Kids Hunter Region – at the drop in centre 9am-5pm weekdays, at 78 Stewart Avenue Hamilton. For 24 hour support there’s the Guiding Light website (click through), or Bereavement Support Line 1300 308 307.
You can support red nose day and help save little lives, by buying official merchandise or making a donation at Star104.5 in Fountain Plaza Erina, or anytime by clicking the pic:
