STEPPING Hill Hospital's maternity unit has received help testing the hearts of new-born babies thanks to donations from a national charity.
Tiny Tickers has donated three hand-held 'oximeters' to the Stockport's unit's midwives to help them detect potential congenital heart disease (CHD) problems in new-borns.
Pulse oximetry is a quick, simple and pain-free test that is performed as part of new-born checks - and it can indicate potential cardiac problems.
The oximeters are now in regular use on the unit. The maternity unit already had oximeters in place, but having additional units will help avoid potential delays and enable midwives to undertake tests in the community too.
Around 6,000 babies are born in the UK each year with CHD, and early detection helps with treatment and support.
Stepping Hill is one of a number of maternity units in the UK and abroad who are already making use of this test, and NHS England is currently considering its mandatory introduction.
Sharon Hyde, head of midwifery and women's health at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Early detection of heart problems is a really important part of being able to provide the right care and treatment, and we are very grateful for these kind donations from Tiny Tickers to help us offer our babies the detections they need."