Children’s Ward receives new phototherapy lights

LISMORE Base Hospital’s Children’s Ward has received two new phototherapy lights after O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore successfully secured funding through the national O’Brien Giving Back Grant.

The $10,000 grant was made possible through the efforts of O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore’s chief financial officer Juanita McKay, who nominated Our Kids for the nationwide program.

Because recipients were chosen through a public vote, McKay led a strong community campaign that ultimately secured the funding for two BiliLux phototherapy units.

Phototherapy lights are special blue lights that help newborn babies with jaundice by breaking down excess bilirubin so it can leave the body more easily.

The new BiliLux lights will be used to treat babies diagnosed with neonatal jaundice.

Designed to sit on top of a humidicrib, the units deliver targeted light therapy with adjustable intensity, allowing clinicians to tailor treatment to each infant.

O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore general manager Clint Willoughby and McKay visited the Children’s Ward to see the new equipment in operation, where acting nursing unit manager Gemma Percival demonstrated how the technology will benefit local families by providing advanced care closer to home.

 

“We’re incredibly proud to support Our Kids and be part of something that makes a real difference for local families. Visiting the Children’s Ward and Special Care Nursery really highlighted the importance of this support,” McKay said.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said the contribution represented the positive difference local businesses can make to healthcare services across the Northern Rivers.

“This equipment will make a real difference for babies requiring treatment for jaundice and will support our dedicated clinical teams in delivering the very best care,” Battista said.

O’Brien Electrical and Plumbing Lismore has supported Our Kids for many years through both financial contributions and hands-on involvement in fundraising activities.

As the Naming Partner of the Our Kids Winter Ball, the business also donates its time by assisting with the setup of major events, including the Lismore Samson Fitness Challenge.

Team members also take part in a range of annual fundraisers, including the Our Kids Golf Day, Melbourne Cup Luncheon, Tutu Day and the Darrel Chapman Fun Run, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to improving healthcare for children and families throughout the region.

Funds raised by Our Kids remain in the Northern Rivers, supporting the purchase of paediatric medical equipment as well as education, research and services for families receiving care across Northern NSW.

For more information or to find out how to support its work helping children access medical care closer to home, contact the Our Kids office at [email protected]