Special Care Nursery receives very special donation

Christine Faber made a very special final wish to donate to Sutherland Hospital before passing away from breast cancer in 2019. A midwife at the hospital for over 30 years, passionate about raising funds to ensure it had the most up-to-date technology, it was fitting that one of her final donations was to the hospital’s Special Care Nursery.

Christine’s husband Peter and daughter Erin recently visited the hospital to place a plaque in memory of Chris and her service to midwifery and neonatal nursing on a GE neonatal cardio respiratory monitor purchased with funds donated by Chris.

Midwife Gaye Napper said working with Chris was wonderful as she was a genuine team player who ran a tight ship and was always willing to assist and teach other staff.

“Chris was friendly and took a real interest in others. She was gentle and kind to the babies, parents and staff. Chris taught so many of the staff their skills in maternity,” Ms Napper said.

The GE neonatal cardio respiratory monitor is mounted in the resuscitation area of the Special Care Nursery, with large screens that display a baby’s heart rate, respiratory function and oxygen levels. Observations can be viewed easily and results are stored for review and comparison.

Rebecca Kelly, Nurse Unit Manager, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Services, Sutherland Hospital, said: “This monitor enables all of the staff treating an unwell baby to check observations simultaneously in real-time, without disrupting the baby.

“We are incredibly grateful to Chris and her family for this donation as this piece of equipment will help us take care of many babies here at Sutherland Hospital.”

Sutherland Hospital's Special Care Nursery