Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, John Hunter Children's Hospital
When a baby is born prematurely or with unexpected complications, families can find themselves navigating an overwhelming medical journey in the very first hours of their child’s life. For parents across the Hunter region and beyond, access to specialised neonatal care can make all the difference.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at John Hunter Children’s Hospital provides lifesaving medical and surgical treatment for both pre-term and full-term babies needing extra support following birth. As the only Level 3 NICU outside the Sydney metropolitan area, the unit plays a critical role in supporting families across regional New South Wales, caring for some of the states most vulnerable patients.
Since 2006, Glencore has partnered with the NICU to help strengthen specialist care closer to home. Over this time, Glencore’s support has contributed more than $1,737,000 to fund essential equipment used daily by clinicians in the treatment of each baby who comes through the unit. From advanced ultrasound machines to cooling and monitoring technology, this equipment enables early, accurate intervention that can change the course of a child’s life.
Natalie Butchard, Manager of Neonatal Services, said the partnership has had a profound impact on the care the unit can provide.
“We’re so lucky to have this relationship with Glencore. They’ve been a major sponsor of us for many many years and without them we wouldn’t be able to do the things that we do.”
Care that reaches far beyond the hospital
The John Hunter NICU services families from across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and North West regions, communities often located hours away from major metropolitan hospitals. The unit provides highly specialised support for pre-term babies, as well as term babies who need stabilisation, respiratory assistance or intensive monitoring.
For families facing long hospital stays, having this level of care available in the region reduces emotional stress, financial strain and the need to relocate to Sydney for treatment.
For parents like Taylor Mason, whose son Koa was born prematurely, the unit became an essential support system during an incredibly difficult time.
“I went into labour at 22 weeks and spent two months in hospital. Koa was born via emergency caesarean at 30 weeks and taken straight to the NICU for intensive care. The NICU team have been amazing, very understanding and so supportive. Nothing has ever been too much of a problem.”
Dr Koert de Waal, JHCH Neonatologist, Koa and Tracey Mason, Natalie Butchard, JHCH Manager of Neonatal Services, and Tracey Snedden, Glencore Coal Community Relations Coordinator, with a NICU ultrasound machine funded through Glencore’s Community Investment Program.
A partnership with purpose
Glencore’s long-term support for the NICU reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes across our communities. Ensuring regional families can access specialised neonatal care without needing to travel to Sydney has been a key focus of the partnership.
The equipment funded through the partnership is used every day, often on every admission, helping clinicians deliver the best possible start for babies facing complex health challenges.
Together, Glencore and the John Hunter Children’s Hospital NICU are helping build capacity, strengthen regional health services and ensure that the smallest patients receive world class care close to home.