Emergency birth team honoured

THE winner of the 2022 Heathcote Heath employee of the year award was announced at last week’s annual general meeting.

Heathcote Health Board chair Elissa Watson said the board selected the emergency birthing team of Vishy Sagar, Jade Davies, Jess Newman, Jen Stewart and Narelle Woodhall.

“The team were recognised by the Heathcote Health board of directors for going above and beyond, for incredible teamwork and extraordinary efforts in dealing with an emergency birthing situation in our urgent care centre,” she said.

Ms Watson also acknowledged the part played by Heathcote Primary Health GP Dr Safaa Essa, midwife Elizabeth Murphy and Ambulance Victoria paramedics.

The team was called into action in November 2021 after pregnant Heathcote resident Meg Carroll presented at urgent care with a gastric illness which triggered labour at 33 weeks, resulting in the subsequent premature birth of her son Spencer at Heathcote Health.

Shortly after a quick birth, both mother and baby experienced serious medical issues and the emergency team worked through the night to save them.

Registered nurse Mr Sagar and acute nurse unit manager Ms Davies accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Ms Davies said she came on shift at 7am after Ms Carroll had already been transferred to Bendigo Health for emergency surgery.

At this point staff were still attempting to stabilise the newborn baby.

“Spencer’s condition was not improving so decision was made to intubate him in the Heathcote Urgent Care Centre,” Ms Davies said.

“Staff assisted with this and his ongoing care, all having very important roles until he was stable enough to be transferred to Melbourne.

“It was an amazing, scary experience and I am so proud of all the staff assisting and pitching in to allow Spencer to be safe and have the best outcome.”