NEW equipment has been installed at Airedale Hospital to help newly-born babies suffering from jaundice.

The machine – known as a neoBLUE phototherapy unit – has been provided with funds raised in memory of Francesca Cordero-Warrick, who was stillborn at the Steeton hospital.

Her parents, Jon Warrick and Santa Cordero, requested donations in lieu of gifts when they married in July, 2017 – and raised £1,875.

The pot was boosted by Ward 21 manager Caroline Lowe and her husband, Andrew, when they ran their first half-marathon while on holiday in California a year ago.

They coined-in over £450 and Mr Lowe’s employer, NatWest, donated a further £250 under its corporate social responsibility programme.

The remainder needed to buy the equipment – £1,760 – was donated by the Friends of Airedale.

Jon and Santa said: “We are so pleased that we’ve been able to help other babies in memory of Francesca.

“We wanted to get something special and for the donation to come direct to the maternity unit.

“It’s lovely to see the machine in use.”

Eileen Proud, president of the Friends of Airedale, said she was delighted that the charity was able to help.

She added: “It is always wonderful to help any patient, but helping those just coming into the world is truly special.”

Jaundice is a common and normally-harmless condition in newborn babies, causing yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

Symptoms usually develop two to three days after birth and tend to disappear within about a fortnight, but where treatment is required it’s carried out using phototherapy.

The baby is laid under a halogen or fluorescent lamp, with its eyes covered, and it undergoes a process known as photo-oxidation.

This adds oxygen to the bilirubin so it dissolves easily in water.

And that in turn makes it easier for the baby’s liver to break down and remove the bilirubin from their blood.

Mrs Lowe said the machine, installed last month, has already had a huge impact.

“The equipment really enhances care for our babies and we are so grateful to Jon and Santa and the Friends of Airedale for making it possible to buy it,” she added.

“It’s so much easier now that we have this piece of equipment on our ward.

“The machine is extremely accessible and since it arrived it has been used frequently, which proves there is a definite need for it.”

All those involved in the fundraising gathered to see the machine in action, as two-day-old Donovan Shannon-O’Keeffe received treatment.