Baby Nathaniel receives life-saving surgery - 13-month-old has not been home since November 1, 2022

After months of worrying about their son's survival, the parents of one-year-old Nathaniel Robinson are rejoicing as he could be home soon, having never left hospital since he was born on November 1, 2022.

Nathaniel was diagnosed with pierre robin malformation, a rare congenital birth defect characterised by an underdeveloped jaw, backward displacement of the tongue and upper airway obstruction. He urgently needed a tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube surgery at the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) in St Andrew.

His mother, Christina Redway, told THE STAR in November that for months, her son was struggling to breathe. However, she was told that he could not do the surgery there because no ICU beds were available at the BHC. The St Ann mother feared the worst for Nathaniel as staff continually had to be resuscitating him.

But last Friday, things changed for the better. According to Redway, doctors from BHC and Cornwall Regional Hospital travelled to the St Ann's Bay Hospital - where Nathaniel has been since birth - and worked together to do both of the baby's surgeries.

"He has done the surgery and the best part is that he is doing fine so far and there are no complications," the hopeful mother said, adding that she is truly grateful to all the doctors and nurses who have contributed to her son's survival.

"They have been there with him from birth. The St Ann's Bay team, oh my God, kudos to them and the EMT (emergency medical technician) specialist from Bustamante who really took the time out to come to St Ann's Bay Hospital to do the surgery," Redway said.

She said that this well-needed surgery was an answered prayer and a dream come true.

"We have to put God in the midst because for a child like Nathaniel, who has been through so much, it is so amazing ... to see that a child who has been through so much, a lot, is alive today," Redway said.

Similarly, Timoy Robinson, Nathaniel's father, shared his gratitude for the work done by the doctors and nurses and told THE STAR that this is the first time since his son's birth that his mind is at ease.

"Honestly, mi did a guh out a mi mind, but now mi comfortable. Mi feel happy, mi mind calm now," Robinson said, adding that baby Nathaniel was also in high spirits.

Both parents were anticipating their son leaving the hospital by Christmas but understand that it may take more time.

"We're looking forward to take him home so we have to prepare ourselves as parents ... it's just a pity we can't take him home for Christmas. They were working towards it, but I do understand the situation they're facing because it is a child with a lot of medical complications," she said, adding that doctors are currently trying to wean Nathaniel off the ventilator so he can breathe on his own using his tracheostomy tube and be sent home.

Both parents will be receiving training to learn how to care for the tubes so Nathaniel can comfortably live at home.