Caring for our Island’s Most Fragile Infants
First Neonate PICC Line Inserted in PEI
Samantha Wilson and Brandon Perry of Stratford welcomed baby Levi on June 4th. The first-time parents were grateful that Levi could remain on PEI for care after his unexpected arrival at 32 weeks. Weighing a mere 3 ½ lbs, Levi required specialized care from obstetrician Dr. Peter Bethune, pediatrician Dr. Peggy Bethune, neonatologist Dr. Beth Ellen Brown, and other neonatal staff.
Levi’s dad, Brandon, says his son is already famous. “Levi is the first baby on PEI to get a PICC line inserted since the beginning of the new neonatal service. It goes from his arm to his heart and helps manage his blood sugar. Before Dr. Brown’s arrival, families like ours would have had to travel off-Island.” Levi’s mom, Samantha, says they are overwhelmed with the care they are receiving. “Levi is now almost 4 lbs and thriving. It was a scary few days leading up to his birth. I had an ultrasound two days before and they found a problem with my placenta. We travelled to the IWK the next day but luckily we were able to return home, as the QEH staff were comfortable having Levi delivered on PEI. The next morning I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, which meant it was unsafe for Levi to remain inside me. The QEH staff have been wonderful and we are so thankful this can all happen so close to home, especially during this pandemic.”
The QEH Auxiliary and Wo-He-Lo, both long-standing supporters of our hospital, committed over $162,000 toward the purchase of priority medical equipment for Provincial Neonatology, an expansion of the QEH’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The QEH Foundation welcomes neonatologist Dr. Beth Ellen Brown and is pleased to provide priority NICU equipment so more Island babies who are sick or born prematurely will be able to receive care on Prince Edward Island.