Staff within the neonatal unit at University Hospital Wishaw (UHW) were delighted to receive a donation of £1,300 from Lanarkshire Referees Association (LRA). The kind hearted whistlers donated the funds as a thank you for the care delivered to the daughter of former LRA president, and current specialist assistant referee, Paul O’Neill.
The Lanarkshire Referees Association raised an amazing £1,300 during their 75th annual dance at Strathaven Hotel which was held on 23 April.
Paul, who works for NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership as interim locality manager, Rutherglen and Cambuslang locality, was appreciative of the level of care and support his daughter Erin (10 weeks) received while being treated at the hospital.
Paul said: “My family and I would like to thank everyone in the maternity department, neonatal unit and the special care baby unit at University Hospital Wishaw for the phenomenal care they provided to my daughter Erin. The support they provided to both myself and Dannielle throughout her pregnancy was also exceptional.
“I’d also like to thank the Lanarkshire Referees Association for the incredibly generous donation which will go towards helping other new-borns and their families who need specialist care like Erin required when she was in hospital.”
Paul’s partner Dannielle became pregnant in August 2021 and, following standard maternity screening, it was discovered that there was a higher than average risk of their baby suffering from a genetic condition. Following further scans and tests, Paul and Dannielle received the news that their baby had an extra chromosome, Trisomy 21, which is the most common form of Down syndrome.
Dannielle commented: “During the testing it was a very worrying and emotional time but the staff at the hospital were extremely supportive and non-judgemental. When Erin arrived she required some support with her breathing and feeding like most premature babies, but she has really gone from strength to strength thanks to the excellent care received here in Wishaw and from the health visitor service.”
Erin was born four weeks premature on 12 April and was cared for in the neonatal unit and special care baby unit (SCBU) for a period of 16 days.
Sharon Oosterbosch, senior charge nurse, UHW, said: “This is a wonderful donation and one which is greatly appreciated by the neonatal service.
Ross Anderson, president of Lanarkshire Referees Association, said: “The association is delighted to be able to donate this cheque to a service that has not only supported a member of the refereeing family but also impacted the lives of so many babies and families in Lanarkshire.”
Picture (L-R): Sharon Oosterbosch, senior charge nurse, UHW; Ross Anderson, president of Lanarkshire Referees Association; Paul O’Neill and partner Dannielle with daughter Erin
