The QMC’s Neonatal Unit has welcomed an unusual but very welcome delivery: a new, state-of-the-art MR incubator.
The University’s highly specialised incubator — worth more than £200,000 — will be used to transport babies from the Neonatal Unit to the MRI scanner at the hospital.
The Neonatal Incubator has an integral 3T infant Head Coil for MR imaging, which is the first in the world, and is designed using MRI compatible parts. The whole unit can be wheeled into the MR scanner without having to move the baby. Premature babies can now have detailed MR imaging supported by other treatments. The benefits to the baby, parents and medical staff are immense. Diagnosing potential problems in neonatal babies is crucial, not only for their immediate health, but also for longer term development.
Dr Stephen Wardle,  Consultant Neonatologist at the QMC, part of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “During the process we want the baby to be settled and quiet so that we can get a detailed scan, without the baby moving and without interference and, obviously, we want the baby to be as comfortable as possible as well. The incubator allows for this and for the baby’s breathing to be supported if needed, while maintaining the right level of humidity, essential for babies born prematurely.”
The incubator was made possible by donations from a range of supporters, including the James Tudor Foundation.
Dr Helen Budge, Clinical Associate Professor and Reader in Neonatology at the University, said: “Our partnership with The James Tudor Foundation in our work on the brain development of extremely premature infants is integral to improving care for these vulnerable patients and informing clinical practice. We are most grateful to our donors for all their support which has made the purchase of this equipment possible.”
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