Stockport: Heartfelt gift for Stepping Hill Maternity Hospital

Stepping Hill Maternity Hospital is now able to detect potential congenital heart disease (CHD) problems in more new-born babies, more time-efficiently following donations from a national charity.

Tiny Tickers donated three handheld ‘oximeters’ for the use of the unit’s midwives to help detect potential congenital heart disease (CHD) problems in new-borns.

Pulse oximetry is a quick, simple and pain-free test that is performed as part of new-born checks – and it can indicate potential cardiac problems. The oximeters are now in regular use on the unit. The maternity unit already had oximeters in place, but having additional units will help avoid potential delays and enable midwives to undertake tests in the community too. 

Sharon Hyde, Head of Midwifery and Women’s Health at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said

“Early detection of heart problems is a really important part of being able to provide the right care and treatment, and we are very grateful for these kind donations from Tiny Tickers to help us offer our babies the detections they need.”

Around 6000 babies are born in the UK each year with CHD, and early detection helps with treatment and support. Stepping Hill Hospital are one of a number of maternity units in the UK and abroad who are already making use of this test. NHS England is currently considering its mandatory introduction.

Pictured: Midwifery staff with the devices – left-right midwives Ellie Szabo, Sue Walker and Suzanne Whitehead, and student midwife Beth Tranter.