Run a Maternity and Neonatal Unit in Haiti

When running a Neonatal Unit in a developing nation, a constant frustration to both medical staff, and those of us tasked with finding the funding, is the perpetual lack of adequate equipment. The staff do an amazing job with the resources they have, but the truth is that not enough equipment, and old machines that break, means that tragically lives are lost.

So as part of a big push to expand and re-equip the Neonatal Unit, to better care for the high numbers of babies that’s are admitted, last year we were able to invest in several important new pieces of equipment. 

These were funded in part by Australia Aid, but also by donations from you and our other loyal supporters. Last month saw the final batch of deliveries with installation and training happening immediately. Items include new incubators, phototherapy machines, Oxygen Concentrators, CPAP breathing machine, and lots of pulse Oximeters. 

While not only providing a big boost to the hospital’s capacity to care appropriately for critical babies, these deliveries also boosted morale amongst the staff and volunteers. 

In a UK hospital, equipment is being upgraded and replaced all the time so becomes the norm for staff. But in Haiti, this type of investment in equipment is rare and a huge deal. We thank everyone who has contributed to this project helping this development to happen.

This is just the first stage of our plans for the unit. Fundraising continues so that we can expand the size of the unit to address the chronic overcrowding issues so please  continue to support as through this next phase. 

Links:

• HHA child and infant health work