For children who rely on a ventilator, swimming is a rare and often out-of-reach experience due to the risks involved.
But five-year-old Sophia Batin was beaming as she was able to relax in the hydrotherapy pool at Derian House Children’s Hospice – the first ventilated child to do so in five years.
Sophia requires 24-hour ventilation through a tracheostomy (a hole made in the front of the neck, which allows a tube to be inserted into the windpipe to help you breathe).
Due to her condition (Moebius syndrome), Sophia is not supposed to be able to smile. But mum Emma Campbell, of Warton in Lancashire, said the experience left her precious girl with a definite smile on her face.
Sophia was held safely in the warm water by her mum to keep her airway clear of water, with the help of Sophia’s carer and two members of Derian House staff to make sure her ventilator and equipment was kept dry.
“Sophia was so relaxed in the water in my arms,” said Emma. “They had floats for her to lie on and toys for her to play with. Sophia’s big sister Isabelle was there too. All the staff were really supportive and on hand just in case. We were so happy – it’s not something you get offered with a child like Sophia.”
The hydrotherapy pool is heated to the temperature of a warm bath and can have many benefits for a child with a life-limiting condition. It can reduce pain, improve movement in joints, stimulate circulation, as well as being good for wellbeing.
But for Sophia to safely relax in the pool, and for other children who require a ventilator to breathe, there needs to be a tailored risk assessment before each swim session, and a team of at least four care professionals to ensure safety at all times.
Not all children who need 24-hour ventilation through a tracheostomy are able to experience the pool, depending on their needs.
“Sophia has minimal movement, and because of her condition she isn’t supposed to be able to smile – but in the pool she was so happy, and there was a definite smile on her face,” continued Emma.
“The water is a lovely temperature, it was nice and warm. And we were together. As a mum, it was beautiful to be able to be in the pool with her.
“We have been visiting Derian House for over two years, not long after Sophia had a hypoxic brain injury in 2021. I didn’t know what I was expecting from a children’s hospice. We use the cinema as a family, and the sensory room. It’s amazing, they support the whole family. Sophia’s brother Logan, 12, and sister Isabelle, 10, are supported too in the siblings group, and enjoy days out with other siblings in a similar situation.”
Catherine Randall, chief nurse at Derian House, said: “We want our families to make the best memories in the time that they have together. Part of this means doing everything in our power to provide opportunities for making special memories that they might not get anywhere else.
“We are so glad that Sophia, Isabelle and Emma enjoyed their time in the pool together. Sophia’s smile said it all. The benefit of hospice care is that we can be flexible and put the individual needs of our families at the forefront of care.
“At Derian House, we pride ourselves on being able to look after every family each in their own unique way. For some of our children, they will have never had the opportunity to have a swim and this will be the first time they have been able to go in water. We do our best to give all of our children joy, magic and new experiences – depending on what works for them.”
Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 seriously ill babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West helping them to make the most of every moment.
