Burns relief lies in 'air' bed

The Kidz First hospital burns unit needs $120,000, writes MONIQUE DEVEREUX.

Fergus Fry does not go near the kitchen bench any more.

Three months ago, the Auckland 2-year-old was balancing on a beach ball and holding onto the kitchen bench when he toppled off, taking the kettle with him.

The water in the kettle had boiled just 10 minutes earlier. It splashed across Fergus' face and down his left arm, leaving the toddler howling in pain and sending his mother, Fiona, into "emergency mode".

After a long time in the shower and on advice from the family doctor, Fergus went to hospital, ending up in the Kidz First burns unit in South Auckland.

He suffered burns to 10 per cent of his body and, although most of the burns were superficial, he will wear a pressure shirt for the next year to help with the healing.

Fergus is expected to make a full recovery and the red marks from the burns that remain on his forehead and shoulder will fade over time.

Despite having burns that were relatively minor, Fergus still suffered a great deal of pain during the early healing process.

He was unable to sleep comfortably and was so upset he stopped eating and drinking. After a few days he was allowed to go home to sleep but had to spend the daytime in hospital.

Starting today, Kidz First hospital is launching a two-week appeal to raise money to buy a bed that would have helped Fergus to be more comfortable.

Clinitron beds have a special mattress that support the patient using columns of air.

The different columns ease the pressure on the burns and make lying down more comfortable.

One bed costs $120,000 and the money is being raised by the South Auckland Health Foundation.

The $60 million hospital itself, which opened last year, was built through taking out bank loans and embarking on a huge fundraising and sponsorship drive because public money was not available.

The Kidz First burns unit expects more than 130 children to be admitted every year.

Of these, 75 per cent will be aged less than 3.

Most of the burns treated are scalds from hot drinks, kettles and pots, although a small number are burns from flames.

www.nzherald.co.nz/health

* A $10 donation can be made automatically to the Kidz First burns unit by calling 0900 KIDZ FIRST (0900 543-934).