A medical mystery has been solved and as part of a thank you the Bradshaw family have donated computer tablets to the Children's Ward at Dunedin Hospital.
Livia Bradshaw is pictured with her parents Vicky and Harry, and her uncle Andrew Guild along with Health NZ Southern nursing staff Dani (Mcqueen-Richards), Angela Landrebe and ACNM Sarah Heggie along with Paediatrician and University Professor Dr Ben Wheeler and Hospital Play Specialist Josie Logie.
Vicky Bradshaw and her husband Harry Bradshaw say it has been a complicated journey trying to identify the cause of their daughter Livia’s illness.
She has been a patient in the Children’s Ward twice. Once in 2023 and again in 2024.
Assisted by Paediatrician and University Professor Dr Ben Wheeler it was discovered Livia had a large duodenal ulcer, which with subsequent follow-up in private care, we now know is caused by an allergic condition called Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome, Vicky says.
The family’s donation to the ward came about after staff pointed out Livia was able to better distract herself and was less stressed as she was in so much pain, using movies or apps to help her cope.
“It became apparent that not everyone had access to another tablet/device when they are on the ward because they are needed at home for other family members or siblings to use.”
In late January 2024, the Bradshaws donated eight Oppo Tablets and covers, which will be great as a good form of distraction and to allow them to stay connected with their families.
“We had such lovely help from the nursing staff, doctors and the hospital play specialists and everyone who cared for Livia that we just want to acknowledge everyone who helped our family at a really tough time.”
