Mum thanks medics after baby on ventilator had to be flown to hospital

A baby born prematurely had to be put on a ventilator at three weeks old had to be flown between hospitals by air ambulance.

Jackson Taylor was four weeks premature. He was taken from Aberdeen to Edinburgh with the help of the dedicated paediatric intensive care transport service ScotSTAR based at Glasgow Airport.

Jackson, from Ellon, Aberdeenshire, was eventually diagnosed with a paralysed left diaphragm, a lifelong condition caused at birth, and spent seven weeks in hospital.

His mum Amie said he has had countless more admissions since but said: “I am pleased to say he is a very happy and charismatic cheeky wee boy.

Jackson was put on a ventilator at just three-weeks-old Scottish Ambulance Service

“He has been through more in his little life that some people encounter in a lifetime. He is strong, resilient and a fighter we are beyond proud of.”

Jackson was transported with the help of Dr Mark Worrall, paediatric consultant, and Ashley Daye, paediatric retrieval nurse.

“The retrieval team take the skills of the paediatric intensive care unit on the road and knowing that these specialists were incredibly skilled gave us some peace knowing that Jackson was being well looked after,” Amie said.

“I just want to say a massive thank you for how you made me feel on the day which was supported and cared for.”

Amie previously took part in a sky dive to raise money for the charities. Scottish Ambulance Service

Amie has raised funds for the Scottish Ambulance Service’s ScotSTAR service and the Ronald McDonald House Edinburgh by completing a skydive earlier this year.

Now, Jackson’s dad Jack is set to compete in the Edinburgh Marathon on May 26, along with his brother and friends.

“Jack knew I wouldn’t do a run so he thought me jumping out of a plane would be a great surprise,” schoolteacher Amie said.

“It was an experience I’ll never forget and raising money for the charities that supported my wee boy was well worth it.

“Both organisations were essential in making Jackson’s journey just that little bit easier and that’s why we have chosen to fundraise for them, in the hope that they can continue to help other families in their time of need.”

Amie, whose sky drive in February raised £1,128, said the Edinburgh Marathon was fitting as it was also the date of Jackson’s birthday.

Dr Worrall and Ashley said: “We want to thank Jackson’s mum and his dad, and everyone else, for doing the skydiving and the marathon.

“It’s really nice to get this positive feedback as we usually don’t hear from families afterwards. I think it’s because we see them at the most vulnerable part of their lives or day and they kind of want to forget this transfer or retrieval actually happened.

“We get that it is hard for them, but it is lovely to hear that people appreciate our jobs and are thankful for what we do.”