NURSING staff at Leighton Hospital have heralded the arrival of a vital tool which will help save the lives of new-born babies.

An £11,000 blood gas analysis machine was installed in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit last week after furious fundraising efforts.

The majority of the cash, £5,500, was raised through a summer ball held last year, which was organised by nursing sister Kay Robinson and staff midwife Jane Harris, with the rest made up from donations.

Consultant Dr Alistair Thomson said the machine enabled staff to quickly establish the baby's condition, including checks on oxygen levels and blood chemical content.

He added that it could be used on the Neo-natal Unit or before birth on the Labour Ward.

"We are tremendously grateful to the organisers of the summer ball and for the generous donations received from people throughout South Cheshire which has enabled us to buy this vital piece of equipment," he said.

Jane Harris said ward staff were delighted at the arrival of the new technology.

"We needed a new machine because the last one we had was 10-12 years old and was breaking down quite a lot," she said.

"It's great to have it because it's so quick with the results and uses less blood. So we don't have to take as much from the baby, which can only be good.

"We are hoping to hold another ball at Brereton Hall on July 10 to raise money for an Athena Monitor, which monitors babies' vital signs."

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