Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s maternity unit has introduced the use of the Bilicocoon, an innovative phototherapy system that allows suitable newborn babies with jaundice to receive treatment in the comfort of their own home.
Jaundice is very common in newborn babies and, in most cases, is mild and resolves without treatment. However, if bilirubin levels become too high or are rising quickly, phototherapy may be required. During conventional phototherapy, a baby is placed under special blue lights, usually wearing only a nappy and protective eye coverings. The light helps break down bilirubin so that it can be more easily eliminated from the body. Conventional phototherapy can mean babies spend time in a cot, with less opportunities for holding and skin-to-skin contact while treatment is being given.
Dr Benedicta Agbagwara-Osuji, Director of Midwifery, said: “In the maternity unit at St Peter’s Hospital, Bilicocoons are used to provide phototherapy for babies with jaundice. Introducing Bilicocoon treatment at home means that suitable families can reduce their time in hospital or avoid additional hospital visits, while still receiving the treatment and support they need. Most importantly, it allows parents to remain close to their newborn baby during those precious first days.”
Vanessa Sturt, Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, who led in setting up this service, said:
“It has taken a lot of work over the last two years to get this service established, so it was incredibly exciting to finally see our first baby receive phototherapy at home. This has only been possible through the dedication and support of the wider maternity team.”
She added: “A special thank you goes to Charlotte Jones, Maternity Support Worker, who played a key role in supporting the family at home and ensuring the process ran smoothly. It has been fantastic to see the service come to life and, most importantly, to see the positive experience it can provide for families.”
Mahjabin Syeda, a new mum, said: “Being able to use the Bilicocoon at home made a stressful time so much easier for us. We could keep our newborn close and be surrounded by our family and support system, rather than having to stay in hospital. Having the support of our midwife throughout also gave us great reassurance and confidence.
“It meant our baby could receive the treatment they needed while we could stay together and enjoy those precious first days at home. We’re so grateful to have been able to use the Bilicocoon for our little one.”
