For immediate release
31 January 2008

Newborn Ben takes a ride in the Telstra Child Flight chopper

Newborn Ben was born very early at thirty six weeks and diagnosed with premature lungs. Doctors immediately transported tiny Ben to a humidity crib to assist his little lungs with supplying oxygen to his body.

Two days after his birth Ben's condition began to deteriorate and doctors advised hat Ben would require specialist treatment.

Telstra Child Flight arrived to transport Ben from Tamworth Base Hospital to John Hunter Hospital where he would have access to intensive care.

After two days at John Hunter Ben's condition improved and he was transported back to Tamworth which was a great relief to his mother Belinda.

'' It was a wonderful feeling to know that our little boy was going to be ok.''

'' We want to thank Telstra Child Flight for their assistance; they were comforting and explained all the procedures to us which made us feel better about what was going on.''

Telstra Child Flight is the only emergency helicopter transport service in the
Southern hemisphere dedicated solely to the retrieval of infants and children.

There are only ten hospitals across NSW and the ACT that can provide neonatal and paediatric care. All of these hospitals are located in metropolitan areas. Telstra Child Flight ensures that critically ill and injured children who are located in remote and regional areas have access to the vital lifesaving services and equipment found only in these metropolitan hospitals. The Telstra Child Flight choppers aim to dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to transport a child to a hospital that can cater to their needs.

To make a donation to this vital service visit the Telstra Child Flight website at www.telstrachildflight.org.au or phone 1800 244 531.

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For more information, interviews or photo opportunities:
Kate Sincic
P 02 4385 2696
M 0422 619 788
E ksincic@brilliantlogic.com.au