Vision for life technology arrives at Hawkesbury District Health Service

2 Jul 2019

2 July 2019 

The Vision for Life (VFL) camera technology provides a critical visual connection between the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) and the hospital’s special care nursery and emergency department.

The cameras enable NETS specialists to see an unfolding situation in real time. This increased situation awareness and knowledge allows the NETS specialists to support the hospital staff on the floor through any immediate changes.

The efficiency of the treatment provided is greatly improved as is the outcome for the baby or infant in care. Prior to the introduction of the camera technology, the important decision making process was only available via phone.

Hawkesbury District Health Service Chief Executive Officer Strephon Billinghurst believes that the addition of the Vision for Life cameras at has the potential to greatly improve the outcome of critically babies and children and save lives.

“Emergency situations can be very stressful for families of sick babies and children so the additional medical expertise is very reassuring” he said.

“In incidents involving critically ill babies and children, the condition of the patient can deteriorate very rapidly.

“Having the eyes of a specialist medical team able to remotely diagnose the patient assists with the correct care being administered and provides continuity of care if transport to a specialised ICU is required.

“Staff at the hospital have embraced the new technology and we are grateful for the support of Variety – the Children’s Charity and in particular the Mapp family whose donation provided the VFL cameras at HDHS."

Grahame and Susan Mapp from the Grahame Mapp Foundation visited HDHS to see first-hand the impact that the cameras have had. During their visit, they met with nurses and doctors at the hospital who were very excited to have the new technology on board.

They were joined by NETS State Director Dr Andrew Barry, Telemedicine NETS Lead Graeme Still and Penelope Sinton and Zoe Pike from Variety – the Children’s Charity.

The Mapps have a strong connection with the Hawkesbury area spanning over 40 years, so were thrilled to be able to provide this technology to Hawkesbury hospital.