New Therapy Bath Enhancing the Hospital Experience for our Tiniest Patients

Finding Strength and Joy in Each Day

Born at just 25 weeks, little Offie’s journey has been one of remarkable resilience and boundless love from those around him. After spending his first 82 days in the NICU, Offie transitioned to Special Care, where he recently celebrated 100 days—a milestone his family treasures. Tara, Offie’s mum, reflects on these past months with pride and gratitude, describing their journey as challenging yet wonderfully positive, thanks to the incredible support they have received from the Gold Coast Health team.

Throughout Offie’s stay, Tara and her partner have always felt safe and informed, with the staff ensuring they were updated on every step of Offie’s care. “In the thick of it, you’re just taking things day by day,” Tara shared. “But looking back, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. The staff are like family to us, and we feel safe every night knowing Offie is in such good hands.”

Vincent Van Dijk, a Senior Neonatal Physiotherapist at Gold Coast Health and member of the Paediatric Allied Health team, has been an integral part of Offie’s journey. His work revolves around helping the hospital’s tiniest patients.

“Working with children, especially premature babies, means finding unique ways to provide care,” Vincent explains. “It requires creativity, a deep understanding of infant behavior, and strong collaboration with parents and colleagues.”

For Vincent and the Allied Health Team, the goal is simple but profound: to provide the best possible support for these fragile newborns and their families. This work demands collaboration across multiple specialties, including neonatologists, nurses, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. Weekly developmental rounds allow the team to review each baby’s progress and work together to tailor care plans that meet each child’s unique needs.

An essential part of this care is empowering parents, who, as Vincent notes, “are the most important part of our team.” The NICU can be an overwhelming environment, especially when parents are faced with the emotional weight of having a premature baby. Parents are often unable to hold their babies immediately and may face an unexpected reality far from their dreams of a full-term, healthy baby. By educating parents on proper handling, positioning, and even simple tasks like swaddling or nappy changes, the team helps empower parents or caregivers to take an active role in their baby’s care, building confidence and resilience during a challenging time.

The Gold Coast Hospital Foundation works closely with the NICU and Special Care teams to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. Their latest collaboration is the donation of a height-adjustable therapy bath valued at $6,500, generously funded by donors Top Hat Tony, Surfers Paradise Rotary, and Tugun Theatre. This bath enables babies to feel weightless and cocooned, echoing the comfort of their earliest days. It serves as a vital tool for developmental progress, stimulating movement, calming the senses, and fostering a bonding experience between baby and parent.

Vincent explains, “A therapeutic bath is a deep bath where the baby, swaddled and secure, can relax into movements that feel natural, almost like being back in the womb. It’s not just about cleaning—this bath helps babies feel safe, warm, and comforted, exposing them to new environments and allowing parents to participate in a bonding experience.”

As an early childhood educator, Tara sees the immense value of the therapy bath, sharing, “Any opportunity that Offie has to experience something like this, I’m going to run with it. It’s amazing that he has access to things like this that can enhance his developmental stages.”

Reflecting on the essential equipment donated by the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, which has supported Offie’s journey in the NICU and Special Care, Tara expresses deep gratitude: “It’s so beautiful; I’m getting teary just thinking about it. These generous donations help ensure these little ones have access to equipment that makes them feel safe and supported, and it’s helped him stay alive.”

As they continue to take each day as it comes, Tara and her partner do their best to create a solid routine for Offie, one that includes singing, reading, cuddles, and working closely with the Allied Health and neonatal teams. One of their favorite books to read to Offie is How Far You’ll Go by Tim McCanna, a cherished story with messages of hope. This book reflects a theme that resonates with Tara and Offie’s family: take each day as it comes, stay positive, and keep moving forward, trusting the journey even when it feels uncertain. Every baby’s path is unique, but moments like these remind us of the importance of embracing each day and finding joy in every small milestone.

Tara encourages other families facing similar challenges to remain as positive as possible and to cherish each little win. “We do our best to stay positive, and I believe that energy has helped Offie’s progress. Staying present and celebrating every tiny achievement, whether it’s a weight gain or a good reading on a test, keeps us hopeful.”

Offie’s story is a beautiful reminder of the strength, hope, and courage that families find in each other—and in the dedicated healthcare staff who guide them every step of the way.