Twins born at Mater Mothers’ Private Rockhampton have been the first to benefit from an Australian-first virtual care program now available for expecting families in Central Queensland.
The neonatal virtual care program—developed by international technology leader Philips and virtual healthcare provider Teladoc—provides patients, parents, and clinicians in Central Queensland 24/7 access to neonatologist support in the event that neonatal resuscitation is required soon after birth.
Mater’s General Manager of Mater Mothers Hospitals Dr Michael Beckmann said the service was an extension of Mater’s nation-leading maternity care services for Queensland families.
“Regional patients already have access to experienced and highly skilled clinicians at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals in Townsville, Rockhampton and Mackay,” Dr Beckmann said.
“This new technology enhances those services by enabling Mater’s network of regional hospitals to access the world-class expertise in our tertiary hospital in Brisbane.
“With the press of a button, neonatal nurses and neonatologists in Brisbane can be virtually in the room, supporting our clinicians and families wherever they are.
“It really helps to ensure we’re delivering the best care possible for our smallest patients.”
The neonatal virtual care program was recently used during an urgent delivery of preterm twins at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton.
Mother-to-be Kloe Lewis was 32 weeks pregnant when a routine ultrasound detected one of her babies had a slow heart rate.
“After our routine scan, I was sent to Mater, where it was decided to deliver the twins by emergency c-section, and then fly the girls to Brisbane for further treatment.
“It was amazing to have a bunch of doctors and nurses both in the room and virtually in Brisbane looking after our girls.
“It was a weight lifted off our shoulders knowing they were in the best hands.”
Mater’s Director of Neonatology Dr Pita Birch was among the team in Brisbane virtually assessing Kloe and her twins.
“We identified and diagnosed a heart condition that affected the baby’s heart rate,” Dr Birch said.
“This allowed us to guide the team in Rockhampton and also to provide real-time clinical updates to the Queensland Neonatal Retrieval Service prior to their arrival.
“I’m glad to report mother and babies are happy and healthy.”
The world leading technology aims to drive positive clinical outcomes for mothers and newborns in large regional cities across Queensland, starting with Mater Mothers’ Private Rockhampton and Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay.
More than 12,000 babies are delivered every year at Mater Mothers’ Hospitals located in South Brisbane, Redland, Rockhampton, Mackay, and Townsville.
