Woolworths staff have raised $19,442 for the purchase of a resuscitaire, an infant incubator that helps babies requiring treatment in the emergency department to breath.

Department nurse unit manager Mick Enright said he had been wanting a new incubator since he started in the role three years ago.

“The self-contained unit means all the equipment to treat an unwell baby is on hand,” he said.

Mr Enright said the machine was usually used to treat babies aged less than six weeks who had such illnesses as a sepsis infection, pneumonia or respiratory problems.

“It allows close access to the baby and regulates temperature, which is important,” he said.

“It will improve the care of unwell children.”

Woolworths fund-raising co-ordinator Liza Hill said the money had been raised through raffles at 16 stores and at a staff trivia night.

“When people bought raffle tickets, the proceeds went directly to local hospitals,” she said.

Ms Hill said Woolworths hoped to raise another $10,000 for the hospital.

Nurse director Zane Healy thanked Woolworths for its support.

“They’ve been absolutely terrific,” she said.