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Through the generosity of the community to the Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles, Mater researchers are working to improve women’s postnatal and broader gynaecological health and to advance the care and outcomes for sick babies.

Examples of current mothers and babies research at Mater includes:

  • Research  to determine the best type of airway support (resuscitation) at birth, and to trial new designs for oxygen masks to better fit tiny babies.
  • Large preliminary research to protect against neurological damage, such as cerebral palsy, in premature bubs.
  • A trial to identify the best method of giving blood transfusions to fragile premature bubs born less than 28 weeks gestation.
  • Work to develop new maternal blood tests using sensitive DNA techniques to determine the baby’s blood type during pregnancy and assist with pregnancy management.
  • A study to follow up the outcomes of extremely premature bubs (born <28 weeks gestation) to determine the rate of neurodevelopmental disability.

To meet Mater’s research aspirations, generous gifts given by the community will help continue to fund explorations for transformational, translational research to deliver better outcomes for mothers and babies.

Through the generosity of the community to the Nine Telethon, Mater has already been able to enhance its equipment across Queensland to ensure positive health outcomes for mothers and babies.

Specialised equipment plays a vital role in ensuring that the 2,000  very ill and premature babies born in Queensland each year have the best possible start to life.

Some of the life-saving pieces of equipment that the 2024 Nine Telethon has already provided includes:

Bili Blanket

$8,250 each

Phototherapy blankets that provide treatment for jaundice without babies having to be placed in a humidicrib, ensuring parents maintain the ability of touch.

Panda iRes Warmer

$36,640 each

A special heated table designed to optimise care during the provision of resuscitation and urgent treatment to babies born prematurely.

MR950 Humidifier 

$4,400 each

A specifically designed humidifier with a neonatal operating mode for respiratory support for tiny babies.

Thank you, Queensland. The funds raised through the Nine Telethon are absolutely crucial. They allow us to continue our groundbreaking research and to continue advancing care for all of the mothers, babies and families that we look after at Mater, but not only now, but also into the future.

 

Kerri Gane, General Manager, Mater Mothers’ Hospitals