Published Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
BABY BUDDIES CUDDLE SICK QLD KIDS
Volunteers from a new “baby buddy” program at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) are cuddling some of Queensland’s sickest kids to a brighter future.
Premier Anna Bligh today officially launched the new program at the hospital’s Grantley Stable Neonatal Unit.
“The Baby Buddy program is about supporting and nurturing some of Queensland’s sickest children during a critical period of their lives,” Ms Bligh said.
“International research shows that cuddling neo-natal babies can lessen the time they have to spend in hospital and can promote their growth.
“While in the past volunteers have helped out on an ad-hoc basis, traditionally the cuddling has been done by the child’s parents or medical staff.
“But through the hard work of the RBWH Volunteer Coordinator Warwick Caldwell and the Neo Natal Unit, the Baby Buddy program will roster trained volunteers to give these babies what is known as ‘positive touch’. That is, touch that doesn’t mean needles or tests – just cuddles.
“While the volunteers will be overseen by medical staff, it will make the cuddling less labour intensive on hospital resources and will also give parents a well-earned break to attend to other commitments, including their other children.
“The program began last month and will be available to all families with babies in neo-natal care at the RBWH.”
Ms Bligh said a similar volunteer program was in place at the Mater Hospital.
“Thousands of babies have benefited from the program at Mater Mothers since it began over a decade ago,” Ms Bligh said.
“Its success is due overwhelmingly to the great volunteers that take part – Mater has so many people willing to volunteer there is currently a waiting list. With 12 Baby Buddies already participating in the RBWH program, I have no doubt it will be just as successful.”
Ms Bligh said part of the Government’s Q2 plan was to increase the number of Queenslanders volunteering in their community by 50 percent, and this was a great example of the difference their work can make.
“I urge anyone interested in the program to contact the RBWH and help cuddle these young babies to a speedy recovery,” she said.
People wanting to volunteer at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital can phone 3636 7151.
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)
Premier Anna Bligh today officially launched the new program at the hospital’s Grantley Stable Neonatal Unit.
“The Baby Buddy program is about supporting and nurturing some of Queensland’s sickest children during a critical period of their lives,” Ms Bligh said.
“International research shows that cuddling neo-natal babies can lessen the time they have to spend in hospital and can promote their growth.
“While in the past volunteers have helped out on an ad-hoc basis, traditionally the cuddling has been done by the child’s parents or medical staff.
“But through the hard work of the RBWH Volunteer Coordinator Warwick Caldwell and the Neo Natal Unit, the Baby Buddy program will roster trained volunteers to give these babies what is known as ‘positive touch’. That is, touch that doesn’t mean needles or tests – just cuddles.
“While the volunteers will be overseen by medical staff, it will make the cuddling less labour intensive on hospital resources and will also give parents a well-earned break to attend to other commitments, including their other children.
“The program began last month and will be available to all families with babies in neo-natal care at the RBWH.”
Ms Bligh said a similar volunteer program was in place at the Mater Hospital.
“Thousands of babies have benefited from the program at Mater Mothers since it began over a decade ago,” Ms Bligh said.
“Its success is due overwhelmingly to the great volunteers that take part – Mater has so many people willing to volunteer there is currently a waiting list. With 12 Baby Buddies already participating in the RBWH program, I have no doubt it will be just as successful.”
Ms Bligh said part of the Government’s Q2 plan was to increase the number of Queenslanders volunteering in their community by 50 percent, and this was a great example of the difference their work can make.
“I urge anyone interested in the program to contact the RBWH and help cuddle these young babies to a speedy recovery,” she said.
People wanting to volunteer at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital can phone 3636 7151.
Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)