PARENTS from Ombersley have praised staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for ‘saving their little boy’s life’.
Zoe and Matthew Higgins rushed their three-week-old son Thomas to hospital when he quickly became seriously unwell, following an infection before Christmas.
Thomas was admitted to the Riverbank children’s ward, where he required ongoing care, including support from a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to deliver oxygen to help him breathe.
Despite having to spend Christmas Day in hospital while Thomas remained under close observation, the Riverbank ward team ensured the Higgins family were able to share precious moments together during an incredibly frightening time.
Zoe said: “Our other little one came to visit, and we all had the most special day we could.”
Matthew added: “We even had visits from Father Christmas and presents at the end of Thomas’ cot.”
However, just days later, Thomas’ condition worsened significantly and the hospital’s critical care team were called.
Zoe said: “They told us he might have to be put in an induced coma and transferred to the Birmingham Intensive Care Unit.”
Instead, ward staff tried further increasing the pressure and oxygen percentage delivered through the CPAP machine to keep his airways open and support his life-threatening breathing problems.
Thomas gradually began to improve and was then able to come off the CPAP treatment.
After several more days of monitoring, he was finally discharged home with his relieved and grateful parents.
Zoe said: “At our lowest point, the doctors and nurses did absolutely everything they could – not just to care for Thomas, but to support us emotionally as well.
“The staff were amazing and I can’t thank them enough.
“They saved my little boy’s life and we will be forever grateful.”
Reflecting on their time in hospital over Christmas, Matthew added: “The support we received from the ward team kept us going through such a difficult time.
“They saved Thomas’ life, kept us all sane, and made sure our other son felt supported and involved.
“They have been amazing and are a real credit to the NHS.”
The ward manager for the Riverbank children’s ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital said: “Supporting both children and their families to feel cared for during incredibly difficult moments is at the heart of what we do.
“We are delighted that Thomas made such a good recovery and wish him and his family all the very best for their future.”
