Since fundraising began in 1999, Lincoln BABIES has purchased the following life-giving equipment for use on the Special Care Baby Unit at Lincoln County Hospital.

Intensive Care Incubator
This is a sterile temperature controlled atmosphere, within which even the most delicate infant can maintain their body's core temperature. More advanced units have humidity control facilities and also in built weighing scales to minimise disruption to the baby.

Cardiorespiratory Monitor
This is sometimes referred to as a Heart Monitor or a C-R Monitor. Three adhesive patches with wires connected to them are placed on the baby's chest, abdomen, arms or legs. The wires travel to a machine that displays the baby's heart rate, heart beat pattern, breathing rate and breathing pattern.

Pulse Oximeter
The "pulse ox" continuously measures the baby's blood oxygen. There is a tiny light which is attached to the baby's palm, foot, finger, toe, or wrist by a piece of adhesive elastic. A cord travels from the light to a machine that displays the amount of oxygen being carried by red blood cells in the baby's body. This may be part of the cardiorespiratory monitor or a separate monitor.

Blood Pressure Monitor
Blood pressure may be measured periodically by a small cuff placed around the baby's arm or leg, or may be measured continuously if the baby has a catheter (tiny tube) into one of the baby's arteries.

Temperature Probe
A coated wire will be placed on the baby's skin and covered with an adhesive patch. The coated wire measures the baby's temperature. This information is used to help regulate the amount of heat from the overhead heater or isolate.

IV (intravenous infusion)

This is a needle, or small tube, that is placed into one of the veins of the infant. It is attached by tubing to a container of fluid. It is used to deliver fluids, medications and nutrients to the baby. Common sites for IVs are hands, feet, arms, legs, and scalp.