YORKHILL Children's Charity is today launching its Christmas appeal to help save hundreds of babies lives.

The new Royal Hospital for Children, which treats all children in Scotland with heart conditions - around one in 100 births - wants to install the first 4D scanner in the UK that can diagnose and treat heart conditions more quickly, even in unborn babies.

Shona Cardle, chief executive, Yorkhill Children’s Charity, said: “Almost half of under-25’s in Scotland who die from cardiovascular-related issues are less than one year old. 

“A heart defect is the most common problem a baby can be born with and we want to help families affected by this and give patients the best possible chance to win their battle.

“This state-of-the-art scanner will make a dramatic difference to the lives of patients at the Royal Hospital for Children."

The appeal is being backed by the family of Hamish Lorimer, who was born at Wishaw maternity unit on February 1 "blue and not breathing."

During a live link scan between the hospital in Wishaw and the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill, the problem was finally discovered Hamish had a rare, life-threatening congenital heart condition, Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage.

Ailsa said: “At just over 24 hours old, we were told that our boy was critically ill and would need open heart surgery via bypass to save his life. 

“Unfortunately, during a routine brain scan it was discovered that Hamish had developed a blood clot on his brain.

"He had had a paediatric stroke, either during his birth or shortly afterwards.

"Thankfully for Hamish the stroke was a small one and we were told it shouldn’t have long-lasting damage.” 
Hamish went home six days after his operation and Ailsa said they were "forever grateful" to "those incredible people in Yorkhill."

Since then, the Lorimer family has raised over £14,000 for the Cardiology Ward at the RHC.
They believe the new scanner will be crucial for children in Hamish's position.

The scanners show the heart in 4D (a moving 3D image) which allows medical staff to see chambers, valves, vessels and other intricate structures with life-like clarity.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is funding an additional two scanners.

Cardiologist Dr Stuart Lilley said they would have a major impact.

He said: “The new equipment is a completely re-designed digital form of ultrasound capable of imaging even the smallest of hearts. These hearts may be no longer than a centimetre and a half long and we have to image everything inside that. 

“The scanners will make a huge difference. With them, we can be certain of the diagnosis and that is what the surgeon needs so there are no surprises when they start the procedure.”