Baby Himmat in the phototherapy unit The hospital is now able to provide home phototherapy to newborns who have uncomplicated jaundice and will be more uncomfortable at home than in hospital. Jaundice is almost universal in newborns, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes from the build-up of a substance in the blood called bilirubin, which is produced when red blood cells break down. The aim of phototherapy – a therapeutic blue light that lowers bilirubin levels – is to expose newborns' skin to as much light as possible. Phototherapy stops when bilirubin levels fall to a safe level, which can take 24 to 48 hours. Home phototherapy, which can be used in cases of uncomplicated new-born jaundice, sees the baby placed within a blanket containing fibreoptic cables where light travels through and shines on to the baby's back. Advantages are reduced or no stays in hospital and family-centred care and parental satisfaction. This service has been funded by the Local Maternity Neonatal ...
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