Bespoke cameras keeping newborn babies, families connected

Parents Jax and Mick testing the neonatal camera system with Max, one of their twin boys, born at 27 weeks.
New bespoke camera technology will provide comfort and reduce stress for families of premature babies in the Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit.
The remote cameras are among several new cutting-edge items designed for the Neonatal Unit to improve the care of sick and vulnerable babies.
In all, more than $225,000 of technology has been funded to support the dedicated team in the Neonatal Unit to provide the best possible care to babies and their families.
The camera system and another four pieces of vital equipment for the Neonatal Unit have been funded by Flinders Foundation thanks to support from the Freemasons of SA/NT through its Masonic Charities Trust, Amy Purling and the Fun Run for Prems community, the Volunteer Service for the Flinders Medical Centre, and the generosity of the community.
The new camera system, designed especially for the Neonatal Unit and the first of its kind in South Australia, will enable families and caregivers to view their babies at any time.
In the coming months, 40 cameras will be attached to individual cots, allowing families to watch their babies via a live stream on their phone or laptop, around the clock, even when they can’t be with them.
The Flinders Medical Centre Neonatal Unit provides care for more than 1,400 sick and premature babies, and their families, from across South Australia and the Northern Territory each year.
Sometimes, family members experience the heartbreak of being separated from their babies for weeks or months because of work, or challenges associated with travelling long distances from regional SA or the NT. This separation can cause harm and distress.
Amy Purling understands the stress of being apart from her baby. Amy’s son, James, was born prematurely at 30 weeks.
Amy, who now fundraises to help the families of other sick and premature babies and raised funds for the cameras project, said they would offer families peace of mind at a difficult time.
“The worst thing about having a baby in the Neonatal Unit is leaving each night,” Amy says.
“I would get there at 9am and leave after 6pm and every night, without fail, I would cry. If parents are sick, it’s also too risky to go in and visit their baby and I know of parents who have had to stay away for days – that’s just awful.
“The cameras will make such a difference to families. They’ll be able to keep an eye on their babies and witness those important milestones when they can’t be there in person.”
Doctors and nurses will also use the camera technology to provide consultations remotely with families and provide updates while their babies are being assessed and treated.
The cutting-edge equipment includes a Neutrally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) mechanical ventilator, which helps a baby to breathe, and two intensive care incubators. Some of the sickest babies in the unit will also benefit from a new monitor to measure their carbon dioxide levels, rather than having to use a painful heel prick, as well as a video laryngoscope which helps clinicians to safely intubate babies.
“This new equipment will give premature babies the best start in life. It will also benefit our staff by having access to the latest technology to care for premature babies who need intensive support,” says Dr Scott Morris, Interim Head of Unit, Neonatal Unit, Flinders Medical Centre.
“The camera technology will improve the bonding between babies and families and result in fewer mental health issues and stress, which is endured by families who spend weeks and months at the bed side of their babies, until they are safe to go home.
“We are incredibly grateful to Flinders Foundation, through the support of Masonic Charities South Australia, Amy Purling and the Fun Run for Prems community, the Volunteer Service for the Flinders Medical Centre, and the community for their generosity.”
Masonic Charities, the charitable arm of Freemasons SA/NT, has provided $126,400 towards the technology upgrade.
David Booker, the Grand Master of the Freemasons of South Australia and the Northern Territory, said the Neonatal Unit performed remarkable work in caring for the most vulnerable.
“The Unit has some of the country’s most skilled and dedicated staff and their life-saving work has made an enormous difference to the community and the very fabric of society by assisting families and building resilience,” Mr Booker said.
“The caring and giving nature of all the organisations involved in this project align with our values. A major priority for Masonic Charities is to instil hope and provide support for community health and wellbeing, so we are delighted to contribute to the Neonatal Unit’s ongoing success.”
You too can support patient care at Flinders by making a donation here Donate Now
More News
Brett’s Hope for Brain Cancer Breakthrough
Three years ago, Dr Brett Stringer arrived at Flinders to work on an idea to help improve survival for patients with the deadliest form of brain cancer – glioblastoma.
Brett’s Hope for Brain Cancer Breakthrough
Three years ago, Dr Brett Stringer arrived at Flinders to work on an idea to help improve survival for patients with the deadliest form of brain cancer – glioblastoma.
The healing sounds of music
Thanks to the generosity of Flinders Foundation supporters and a CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grant, elderly and palliative patients, as well as those undergoing rehabilitation, have been being entertained, soothed and moved by a variety of visiting musicians through a new ‘Music Matters’ program.
The healing sounds of music
Thanks to the generosity of Flinders Foundation supporters and a CommBank Staff Foundation Community Grant, elderly and palliative patients, as well as those undergoing rehabilitation, have been being entertained, soothed and moved by a variety of visiting musicians through a new ‘Music Matters’ program.
Panthers roar with Flinders Foundation
An exciting partnership has been launched between South Adelaide Football Club and Flinders Foundation for the benefit of the Southern Adelaide community.
Panthers roar with Flinders Foundation
An exciting partnership has been launched between South Adelaide Football Club and Flinders Foundation for the benefit of the Southern Adelaide community.
New PET scan hope for ‘tricky’ tumours
“Groundbreaking” work out of Flinders is aiming to help doctors visualise ‘tricky’ tumours not visible on PET scans to help them make important cancer treatment decisions.
New PET scan hope for ‘tricky’ tumours
“Groundbreaking” work out of Flinders is aiming to help doctors visualise ‘tricky’ tumours not visible on PET scans to help them make important cancer treatment decisions.
2023 Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round now open
Flinders Foundation, with support from Flinders University, is proud to open the 2023 Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round supporting health and medical research.
2023 Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round now open
Flinders Foundation, with support from Flinders University, is proud to open the 2023 Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round supporting health and medical research.
A novel blood test which could be used to monitor the treatment of lung cancer
Flinders Medical Centre Senior Consultant, Dr Anand Rose, has received a Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) Enquiry Grant for research into a novel blood test which could be used to monitor the treatment of lung cancer – the most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia.
A novel blood test which could be used to monitor the treatment of lung cancer
Flinders Medical Centre Senior Consultant, Dr Anand Rose, has received a Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) Enquiry Grant for research into a novel blood test which could be used to monitor the treatment of lung cancer – the most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia.
Stroke Rehab goes Virtual
Researchers from Flinders University and UniSA are set to develop a new rehabilitation technique for stroke survivors using state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
Stroke Rehab goes Virtual
Researchers from Flinders University and UniSA are set to develop a new rehabilitation technique for stroke survivors using state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer
Dr Jean Winter and her Flinders University research team will soon begin trials of a world-first blood biomarker test for patients with pancreatic cancer.
New Hope for Pancreatic Cancer
Dr Jean Winter and her Flinders University research team will soon begin trials of a world-first blood biomarker test for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Help for families in gambling battle
The Southern Adelaide Local Health Network’s (SALHN) Statewide Gambling Therapy Service provides psychological therapies to individuals with gambling addictions.
Help for families in gambling battle
The Southern Adelaide Local Health Network’s (SALHN) Statewide Gambling Therapy Service provides psychological therapies to individuals with gambling addictions.
Rapid access to surgical procedures
Podiatrists at Noarlunga Hospital will trial a new model of care for anxious patients, to help them get rapid access to some minor surgical procedures.
Rapid access to surgical procedures
Podiatrists at Noarlunga Hospital will trial a new model of care for anxious patients, to help them get rapid access to some minor surgical procedures.