Project “Telestork” aims to make births in rural areas safer

Oldenburg. The "Telestorch" project at Oldenburg Hospital provides a direct link between a rural maternity clinic and pediatric specialists at a large hospital. "The "Telestorch" significantly improves newborn care in rural areas and could revolutionize it throughout the Weser-Ems region," said Lower Saxony's Health Minister Andreas Philippi (SPD) at the project presentation.

If a medical emergency occurs during childbirth, every second counts, they said. Rapid, specialized care can be vital to survival, but simple maternity clinics, of which there are several in the region, generally cannot provide it.

With "Telestorch," vital signs and video recordings can be transmitted in real time. Specialists at the Oldenburg hospital can be immediately involved in treatment in the event of complications. The project offers women who want to give birth in simple maternity clinics close to their homes a significant increase in safety, Philippi said. It's conceivable that the project could also be offered in other regions.

Currently, the St. Johannes Hospital in Varel and the Ammerland Clinic are connected to the system. However, the Oldenburg Clinic plans to further expand the project and add more maternity clinics. (dpa)