Big gulp for Hazel at Blacktown Hospital’s new feeding clinic

Hazel Kaur was born with a condition that made it difficult for her to breastfeed.

Hazel’s mother Komaldeep Kaur said her precious baby has been through a lot since she was born, but is now getting the help she needs thanks to a new feeding clinic at Blacktown Hospital.

“It’s been a tough time for us but I’m relieved that we are receiving the best of care for my baby girl,” Komaldeep said.

Since birth Hazel has spent time in Blacktown Hospital’s Newborn Care Unit and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and has since returned home where she requires the assistance of a tube to feed.

On Wednesday, 16 June, Hazel was the first patient of the specialised infant feeding clinic at Blacktown Hospital.

“This is so exciting – I didn’t know Hazel was the first patient,” Komaldeep said.

“It’s so much easier and convenient for us to come to Blacktown Hospital for treatments.”

• 

• 

 Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals (BMDH) Allied Health director Bobbi Henao Urrego said this patient-centred service was established to help babies with complex needs at one clinic.

“This service enables Blacktown families to attend one appointment rather than three separate appointments – saving them time and providing easier access to care,” Bobbi said.

“The weekly clinic assesses and manages infants from newborn to the age of two who have complex feeding issues, live within the Blacktown local government area and meet the criteria.

“We expect to treat more than 200 families from the Blacktown area each year.”

A team of specialised staff from various disciplines including medical, speech pathology and dieticians collaborate to treat and help children with complex feeding issues.

Similar clinics operate from the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead and Nepean hospitals.

Families require a referral from their paediatrician to access this service.