Media Release

 

November 24, 2011

 

The bee with no sting

 

It looks like a bee, it buzzes like a bee, but for patients at John Hunter Children’s Hospital the anxiety around having a needle will now be eased with a new piece of simple technology.

Buzzy is a small battery operated device that uses vibration and cooling through ice packs to minimise pain associated with needles. By using ice and vibration the patient’s nerves are confused, therefore when the patient’s receives a needle the pain response is lessened.

The device was developed by an emergency clinician, Dr Amy Baxter in the United States and is now widely used in children’s health facilities around the world.

With the introduction of Buzzy John Hunter Children’s Hospital Play Specialist Michelle Perrin has seen patients cope with needle related procedures that had previously provoked significant anxiety.

“Buzzy is a tool that can support children during needle related procedures by providing pain relief and distraction,” Michelle said.

“It’s such a simple, effective device that is quick and easy to use, it has such a huge impact on the patient,” she said.

The purchase of the Buzzy’s that will cater for all areas of John Hunter Children’s Hospital was made possible through a donation by Newcastle’s Suzuki Talent Education Association.

Talented primary school violinists throughout Newcastle held a concert at Newcastle Grammar Primary School in October. From that concert and other activities the Newcastle Suzuki Group raised $4,688 for the purchase of the Buzzy’s.

 

Media Opportunity

When:           Friday 25 November at 11.00am
Where:         John Hunter Children’s Hospital
What:            Children from the Suzuki Group visit John Hunter Children’s Hospital and a Buzzy’s benefits are demonstrated

 

Media inquiries:

Lucas Coleman - 02 49213844, 0407895101 (ref HNE-2659)