Gold Coast Health is recognised for quality patient care, nursing and midwifery excellence and innovations in professional nursing and midwifery practice under the Magnet® Recognition Program.
"Walking together in kindness" artwork produced for Gold Coast Health by Riki Salam, We are 27 Creative.
Most parents never expect to see the inside of a neonatal ward, but for mum Kayla, it became part of both of her baby’s stories.
When Kayla was 34 weeks pregnant, an epileptic seizure meant her little boy had to make his entrance into the world earlier than expected.
Zephyr was born at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), weighing a tiny 1.9 kilograms. He spent the first two weeks of life in our neonatal Special Care Unit (SCU), where the incredible team of doctors, nurses and midwives watched over him, nurtured him, monitored his progress and made sure he was growing stronger every day.
“As a mum, having your baby arrive early and needing that extra care can be an emotional and overwhelming experience,” Kayla said.
“There are so many worries, many questions and moments when all you want is to take your baby home and have them safely in your arms. Thanks to the amazing team at SCU, our little fighter was ready to come home after just two weeks.”
Kayla waved goodbye to the unit thinking it would be the last time, but one year later she found herself back with her 10-month-old, Marley.
After suffering a seizure, Marley’s body went into overdrive and needed support from the GCUH team. She went on to have another two seizures, causing a three-week stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
“Watching your little girl go through something so frightening is a feeling that is almost impossible to put into words – it’s heartbreaking,” Kayla said.
“Those three weeks were filled with worry, uncertainty, tears and countless prayers. As a parent, all you want is to take away their pain, protect them from everything and bring them home safely.”
Through it all, Kayla found the medical team standing by her once again, providing unwavering support to both her and her daughter.
“I genuinely cannot put into words how grateful I am for every single person who played a part in Marley’s care,” Kayla said.
“Their knowledge, dedication, compassion and quick actions made a difference that our family will never be able to repay. I truly believe that without the incredible people who cared for her during those three weeks, she may not be here with us today.
“Thank you, NICU team, for fighting for my girl, for caring for her when she needed it most and for giving her the chance to continue growing, laughing and living her life.
“The team doesn’t just care for babies; they give hope when families need it most.”
Zephyr and Marley have thrived since leaving – keeping mum on her toes every day!
Her children are reminders that the smallest fighters can overcome enormous challenges, especially when they have an incredible team standing beside them.
