National charity delivers gift of light to premature babies

New Westminster, B.C. – {June 6, 2019} – Royal Columbian Hospital’s Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit can add to its arsenal to treat jaundice in newborns, following a gift from a national charity that focuses on neonatal care.

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation has presented Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation with a grant of $11,162 to purchase a Bili-Therapy Pad Type.

Phototherapy is the most common treatment for reducing high bilirubin levels that cause jaundice in a newborn. With a Bili-Therapy Pad Type, the baby is treated by being wrapped with a specialized pad. This allows the baby to be rocked and fed while receiving treatment; there is no interruption of treatment for breast feeding. As skin-to-skin contact is essential for babies in our NICU, a Bili-Therapy Pad Type offers optimal care.

(Caption): Sandra Schmirler Foundation Executive Director Robin Wilson visited Royal Columbian Hospital’s Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she was thanked by Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation’s Jennifer Atkinson (Manager, Major Giving) and NICU manager Queenie Lai following a gift to purchase a Bili-Therapy Pad Type to treat jaundice in newborns.