Baby eye health under the otoscope at Wallaroo

WELLNESS checks for babies born at Wallaroo Hospital will be fast-tracked, thanks to new equipment and additional training for midwives.

Wallaroo is one of five birthing sites in the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network to receive a multifunction otoscope, which enables midwives to examine parts of a newborn’s eye that are otherwise difficult to assess.

The devices have also been delivered to Clare, Port Pirie, Jamestown and Crystal Brook hospitals, funded through a $13,000 contribution from The Hospital Research Foundation Group.

An SA Health spokesperson said newborns had a full wellness check before being discharged, including an eye assessment — but wait times for that component could range from eight to 24 hours.

“The YNLHN has recently been upskilling its midwives through online SA Health training and one-on-one hands-on experience with newborns to allow them to perform the procedure, helping to get new mums and their bubs home quicker,” the spokesperson said.

YNLHN Midwifery, Perinatal and Women’s Health Division director Vanessa Ryan said head-to-toe assessments typically took 15 to 20 minutes.

“The wait time to get busy medical colleagues available to perform them means new mothers are spending longer than necessary in hospital and not recovering at home,” she said.

“By getting midwives to perform these assessments using the new equipment, it will significantly reduce the wait time and build on the trust and confidence developed through the continuity model of midwifery care offered by YNLHN birthing services.

“Women and families will have confidence and assurance to go home after their baby is checked and continue to be looked after by a known midwife postnatally in their home.”