Monday 22nd December 2003Computer experts in Leicester are using the latest technology to help save the lives of countless new-born and premature babies.
Programmers are putting together a CD-ROM of information to provide training for midwives and nurses. When completed early next year, it will be the first piece of software of its kind in the world.
Copies will be distributed to neo-natal units across the country to ensure all medical staff working with children have the best training and know the latest techniques.
Eventually new parents will also get a version which explains procedures their child may undergo or the machines they are attached to.
OCB Media is working in partnership with the Bliss charity to create the training programme. The company's director Dr Nic Blackwell said "There is an enormous sense of well-being doing work like this, helping to save young lives. There is nothing else out there at the moment like this - it's really exciting.
Traditionally Bliss has tended to raise funds for equipment to save lives - such as incubators - but there has been a shift in its thinking. It now realises the equipment can be put to far greater use if money is also put aside for education."
When complete, the multi-media CD-ROM will include animation, video and spoken word to clearly explain different procedures, techniques and equipment.