Help keep Sick Children Hydrated
There is nothing worse than trying to keep a sick child hydrated, they will refuse to drink, and dehydration can be a real issue. More often than not they will suck on ice which is a huge help to the nursing and medical teams.
A part of our Local Giving for Local Health program, UBC has partnered with the Northern Health Foundation to raise funds for a new ice and water dispenser machine.
Why?
At Northern Hospital, children can be admitted for a range of reasons and illnesses. Ranging from broken bones through to the extreme case of a perforated appendicitis. Ice can play a major role for every condition we see. Whether its kids with serious bumps, bruises and broken bones, which require icing for 24-28hrs to reduce severe swelling. Icing is vital before any treatment or surgery can occur.
Unfortunately, staff in our Children’s Ward do not have access to a dedicated ice machine in the department and are using the domestic fridge in the staff kitchen/lunch room to freeze and access the ice they need for their young patients. The demand for ice can be greater than their capacity to freeze it.
The introduction of a dedicated ice and water dispenser for the Children's Ward will benefit over 6,500 children who will receive care in our Children’s Ward over the next 12 months.
Uninterrupted access to ice will also aid the post-recovery of children who have just had abdominal surgery. These children are immediately able to suck on ice to hydrate, prior to being well enough to having oral fluids or resume eating regular food.
A significant benefit of this particular ice and water dispenser is its ability to produce 'Chewable' ice, a huge plus when hydrating children.
Last year approximately 5,500 children were admitted to our Children's Ward at Northern Hospital, Epping. We estimated that admission for this year would remain at these same levels. This equipment will significantly improve icing treatment times and allow the ice always to be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
We really need this to provide a higher standard of care to our little patients