Our daughter Kitty was born on 22nd Jan 2021, arriving 5 weeks early, and had so much going against her from the first second she was out of the safety of her mummies tummy. Her little lungs failed her, her heart played (still plays) tricks on her and her little body just couldn’t cope. But this was not enough to stop her, and just like her amazing mummy, she refused to give up and decided to fight and get better.

But she was not alone! 

Her earth angels, nurses and doctors at St George’s hospital neonatal intensive care unit, were there looking after her and ensured she got all the help she needed. The support she was given will never be forgotten, and we are SO fortunate to have this through our NHS. As a parent, nothing ever prepares you for this roller-coaster. Emotional support we were given was unconditional and through our darkest days we knew Kitty was in safe hands, and that she received the best care a parent can wish for!

It will be impossible for us to repay the kindness, support, and
medical genius our daughter received, and as I am writing this post these brave men and women are this very moment caring for other babies with just as much care and support!

Kittys lungs failed to develop properly, and by the time she got to St Georges
(after 36 hours of being born) they almost collapsed. It was the fast thinking by the doctors and the right equipment that saved her life, and for this we will forever be grateful!!!

The new Maquet devices, just like the one that Kitty was on,
have proved very successful- they are able to deliver ventilation, non invasive ventilation, CPAP and high flow all from one device. This makes them very efficient, avoids equipment changes for the baby and saves space. They also adjust support levels precisely according to the baby's diaphragm movement (NAVA- neurally adjusted ventilatory assist)- this is novel technology and they are the first neonatal unit in the UK and one of the first in Europe to use this technology extensively in preterm babies, especially for non invasive
ventilation. NAVA also offers the advantage of greater comfort, less sedation needed and higher extubation success rates.

The Maquet provides high flow and all the other modes in one device and so far has been robust. The Trust has confirmed that they cannot provide funds for more Maquets with Covid and other financial pressures. The Maquets are also neonatal specific so don't get used for adults.

Each Maquet device costs £30 000, and they are currently looking to fund 3 units.

First Touch is the dedicated charity of St George's neonatal unit and they  work hard to provide medical equipment, staff training and family support to ensure each baby has the best possible outcome.

They are a tiny charity with a massive cause and they can do none of this without the generosity of their supporters. Please join me on my journey, and help me give their tiny, vulnerable patients the very best possible start in life.

Any help is welcome and it will go a very long way!!!