The Neonatal Unit at Steve Biko Academic Hospital received a generous donation from several organisations on Saturday, 19 May 2012.

In the Spirit of Riding, Headhunters and Think Bike donated duvets, baby clothing and tharis for use in the Neonatal Unit of the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, as well as in the Kangaroo Mother Care Unit at Tshwane District Hospital. It is in these units where small and premature babies are cared for and they are especially susceptible to cold.

Research has shown that the survival rate of premature babies increases if there is direct mother-to-child contact. A baby wears a nappy, socks and a cap and is then tied to the mother’s chest by means of a thari – the thari acts like a kangaroo pouch.

The donation was received by Dr Lizel Lloyd and Sister Refilwe Mtshweni of the neonatal service. This donation is welcomed by staff, patients and parents, especially before the onset of winter cold.

Duvets covering the incubators. Photo: Lizel Lloyd