Oisín was born unexpectedly at just 26 weeks gestation over 300 miles from his home in Perth. He faced a minimum stay of 4 months at The Royal Oldham Hospital where he was born until he would be well enough to be transferred home by road. Oisín’s dad Aaron says:
We were in shock when Oisín arrived early. It was terrifying as we weren’t expecting it at all. We were afraid of losing him and the whole situation felt really surreal.
Aaron and his partner Caterina were filled with anxiety. Their baby had arrived extremely early over 300 miles away from their home and support networks. They felt helpless and didn’t know what the future would hold for their baby boy.
Oisín battled through his first few weeks. Despite being born so prematurely, he progressed quickly, and his doctors suggested that he may be able to be transferred to a hospital closer to home in the near future. However, he was still far too fragile to endure a 300-mile road ambulance journey or a helicopter transfer. The only way for Oisín to travel from Manchester to Dundee was by a Lucy Air Ambulance for Children plane transfer.
When Aaron and Caterina heard this would be possible a huge wave of relief came over them. They were finally going home.
We were so relieved and really excited to finally be able to move. It felt like a really big step forward for the three of us.
Lucy Air Ambulance for Children (Lucy AAC) flew Oisín and Caterina to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee – the closest neonatal intensive care unit to their family home. Despite her initial worries, the medical team on board made Caterina feel at ease straight away. The trip went smoothly for them both and Oisín even managed to have a bottle in the air.
Aaron says:
Oisín’s Lucy AAC transfer changed everything for us. We were finally able to begin our life as a family in Scotland. We are just so thankful to all the people who made Oisín’s Lucy AAC transfer possible. It has had a huge impact on our life and our family. We will always be grateful to them.
Oisín progressed well at Ninewells Hospital and was finally able to go home a 2 months later.
