NeoReturn: How Donors Have Helped RBWH's Tiniest Babies Return Home

NeoRESQ is a dedicated neonatal retrieval service for Southern and Central Queensland and Northern NSW, which has operated as part of RBWH for the last six years. All premature and unwell babies who require transfer to a higher level facility after birth are cared for by NeoRESQ’s dedicated staff.

In 2020, NeoRESQ were privileged to launch a new service, NeoReturn, to help transfer babies back to their home hospitals once they are well enough. The Running for Premature Babies NeoRESQ vehicle, which is proudly supported by the RBWH Foundation, celebrated its first birthday on World Prematurity Day, 18 November 2021.

The anniversary of Running for Premature Babies NeoRESQ vehicle was marked with a celebration at RBWH. Guest of honour was baby Hamish, who was also celebrating his first birthday on the same day. Hamish had been transported by both NeoRESQ and NeoReturn in his first weeks of life.

In its first twelve months, the vehicle safely transported more than 360 babies to hospitals closer to home after lifesaving treatment in NICU.