Babies flown to UK as Beau Sejour pays more

A MOTHER and premature baby recently forced by a lack of staff at the PEH pharmacy to be flown to the UK are not the only ones.

It emerged at the weekend that at least three mothers with premature babies have had to be treated off-island this year because of personnel shortages.

Two pharmacy technicians, who prepare premature infants' intravenous feeds, recently left to be receptionists at Beau Sejour where the antisocial hours mean their take-home pay is more and the responsibility is much less, said Deputy Mike Hadley.

The Health Department board member has broken ranks to publicise the issue. An expectant mother was flown out last week, while others have faced the trip shortly after giving birth, adding to the risk and trauma they already face.

Deputy Hadley estimates the latest case will cost around £100,000. The mother is expected to give birth at 30 weeks.