Neonatal care device

Abstract

The neonatal care device comprises: a surface 2; a mattress (3, figure 10) for receiving a neonate that is removably connected to the surface and comprises a heater; and a power source for the heater. The neonatal care device may be located close to a mother and support delayed umbilical cord clamping. The power source may be integrated into the device and be a battery. A controller may control the temperature of the mattress and a signal may be emitted when the temperature is above a threshold. The device may comprise a timer and may signal postpartum duration. The device may have a frame 11 supporting the surface or height adjustable support. The device may have wheels 13. The surface or mattress may be the highest point of the device. Also disclosed are neonatal care devices that detect the presence of a neonate on the surface to either engage brakes or emit a waring if the brakes are not engaged. Also disclosed are drapes to cover a neonatal care device comprising a plastic sheet and non-woven pad.

Description

Field of the invention The present invention relates to neonatal care devices to aid delayed cord clamping and drapes for neonatal care devices. Background Delayed umbilical cord clamping (or simply, "delayed cord clamping") is associated with significant neonatal benefits. In term infants, there is evidence that the procedure increases haemoglobin levels at birth and improves iron stores in the first several months of life. In preterm infants, the effects include improved transitional circulation, better establishment of red blood cell volume, a decreased need for blood transfusion, and lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular haemorrhage. Therefore, delayed cord clamping is considered to have significant benefits for the health and welfare of babies in the first few months of life. As a result of this, delayed cord clamping is offered and often encouraged to expectant mothers prior to delivery in maternity or delivery units around the world. For this to be offered to expectant mothers, the neonate needs to be located safely close to the mother. This may not be possible in many circumstances, for example, when the mother or the neonate need additional care, including emergency or intensive care. In these cases, delayed cord clamping is often abandoned, diminishing the health prospects of the newborn. Summary According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a neonatal care device comprising: a surface, a mattress for receiving a neonate comprising a heater, wherein the surface is removably connected to the mattress, and a power source for the heater. Thus, there Is no need for additional cables or cords trailing from the neonatal care device, Improving the safety of those working around the device, as well as the neonate on the device, and the mother of the neonate. The heater may be a heating element. The heating element may be, for example, a resistive heating element. The power source may be configured to be electrically connected to the heater. The electrical connection may be a physical electrical connection, for example, through an electrical wire, or may be through induction. The heater of the mattress may be electrically connected to the power source. The power source for the mattress comprising the heater may be integrated into the device. For example, the power source may be integrated into the frame, or part of the frame (e.g., the column or base) of the device. The neonatal care device may further comprise a frame, the frame supporting the surface along a first edge of the surface. The first edge of the surface may be the or one of the shortest edge(s) of the surface. The power source may be integrated into a structure supporting the surface, for example, the power source may be integrated into the frame of the device. The power source may be a battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The frame may have a suitable connector (for example, a plug or a socket) for connecting a suitable power cord to the battery to charge the battery. There may be a signal or alert to indicate a low battery. The signal may indicate the number of minutes of operation remaining. The signal may be a warning signal. The neonatal care device may further comprise a controller configured to control the temperature of the mattress. The neonatal device may further comprise a thermometer configured to monitor the temperature of the mattress. The thermometer may be operatively connected to the controller. The device may be configured to emit a signal if the temperature of the mattress is above or below a predetermined range. The signal may be an audible or visual signal. The signal may be an alarm. The signal may be a warning signal. The signal may be, or may be an Imitation of, human speech or voice. The human speech or voice may state that the surface is either above or below the desired range in a suitable language. The controller may be configured to send the signal if the surface temperature becomes too high, for example, above 40 °C, or becomes too low, for example, below 36 °C. The warning signal thresholds may be set by a caregiver. The neonatal device may further comprise a timer. The timer may start as soon as the neonate is delivered. The timer may be manually started on delivery on the neonate or may be automated so that the timer starts as soon as the neonate is delivered. The device may be configured to indicate postpartum duration. For example, by emitting a signal. The postpartum duration is the time elapsed since birth of the neonate / baby was born. There may be a signal emitted from the device indicating the time since the timer was started / the neonate was delivered / the baby was born. The signal may be an audible or visual signal. The signal may be an alarm. The signal may be, or may be an imitation of, human speech or voice. The human speech or voice may state information or an instruction. For example, the voice signal may be an instruction such as "You can now clamp the cord" or provide information that (delayed) umbilical cord clamping can begin, for example, by stating "one minute post-partum". Any of the audible signals may be contrasting to other audible signals in the surrounding environment, i.e., they may be human voice rather than a beep, bleep, or siren. The device may comprise a display for indicating the current temperature of the surface, the power source or battery charge, and / or the time since the neonate was delivered / baby was born and / or the timer started. The device may be configured to signal when the mattress has reached a desired temperature. The signal may be an audible signal. The audible signal may be, or may be an imitation of, human speech or voice. The human speech or voice may state that the mattress is ready for receiving a neonate, or other suitable indication. Any of the audible signals may be contrasting to those audible signals in the surrounding environment, i.e., they may be human voice rather than a beep, bleep, or siren. The neonatal care device may further comprise a support configured to allow the adjustment of the height of the surface. That is, the support is configured to allow the surface to be moved up and / or down. The height of the surface may be adjusted using any suitable, means, for example, a clamp system, a ratchet system, or rack and pinion system. The height adjustment may be powered or power-assisted by the power source. The surface may also be rotated with respect to the support. The rotation of the surface with respect to the support may be manual, or power assisted. If the rotation is power assisted, the power may be provided from the power source. The neonatal care device may further comprise three wheels configured to allow the device to be moved. The device many be moved from a first location to a second location. While the device is being moved, the surface remains under temperature control. The wheels configured to move the device over a floor of a hospital ward. At least one wheel may have a brake. The device may comprise four wheels. More than half the surface may be flat. Most of the surface may be flat, for example, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 95% or more than 99%. The surface may comprise a raised perimeter. The raised perimeter may be automatically removed or deployed, for example, by an actuator moving the raised permitter away or down to be flush with the rest of the surface. The raised perimeter may be inflated using a fluid, for example, it may be an inflatable tube in which a fluid can be pumped into or released from. The surface or the mattress is at the highest point of the device. That is, there may be no features or protrusions which are above the surface, or not above 5 cm of the surface. The device may only comprise smooth contours. The device may be configured to connect to a separate respiratory device, for example commercial respiratory / stabilisatlon cart that can carry different respiratory / stabilisation equipment. The surface may be configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface. The neonate may be detected as having been placed on the surface by any suitable means, for example, by a weight sensor (e.g., photoelectric type, hydraulic type, electromagnetic force type, capacitive type, magnetic pole variation form, vibration type, gyro type, and resistance strain type), a capacitive sensor configured to detect the neonate touching the surface, an optical sensor configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface, or a vibration sensor configured to detect a neonate on the surface. One or more of these methods may be used to detect the neonate on the surface. There may be a layer between the neonate and the surface, for example a mattress may be placed on the surface, and the neonate may be placed on the mattress. On detection of the neonate, the neonatal care device may be configured to either engage a brake which prevents the movement of one or more wheels on the device or may alert a user or the surrounding environment using a signal that the wheels have not been engaged. The mattress may have one or more of the sensors listed above for detecting the presence of a neonate and may communicate the detection of a neonate to the surface. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a neonatal care device comprising: a surface configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface, and wheels for moving the neonatal care device over a floor, wherein at least one wheel comprises a brake, the device configured, that upon detection of a neonate on the surface, the brake engages preventing the device from moving. Thus, on detection of the neonate on the surface, the neonatal care device is immobilised from moving in at least the horizontal plane, increasing the safety of the neonate while on the surface or mattress of the neonatal care device. The brake, or an additional brake may also prevent the vertical movement of the surface, resulting in complete immobilisation of the neonatal care device while the neonate is on the surface or mattress. There may be more than one brake. Each wheel may have a brake. Each brake may be automatically engaged upon detection of a neonate on the surface. There may be one brake which when engaged prevents all the wheels from moving. The neonate may be detected as having been placed on the surface by any suitable means, for example, by a weight sensor (e.g., photoelectric type, hydraulic type, electromagnetic force type, capacitive type, magnetic pole variation form, vibration type, gyro type, and resistance strain type), a capacitive sensor configured to detect the neonate touching the surface, or an optical sensor configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface. One or more of these methods may be used to detect the neonate on the surface. There may be a layer between the neonate and the surface, for example a mattress may be placed on the surface, and the neonate may be placed on the mattress. On detection of the neonate, the neonatal care device may be configured to either engage a brake which prevents the movement of one or more wheels on the device or may alert a user or the surrounding environment using a signal that the wheels have not been engaged. The mattress may have one or more of the sensors listed above for detecting the presence of a neonate and may communicate the detection of a neonate to the surface. The mattress may comprise a heater. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a neonatal care device comprising: a surface configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface, and wheels for moving the neonatal care device over a floor, wherein at least one wheel comprises a brake, the device configured, on detection of the presence of the neonate on the surface, to determine whether the brake is engaged, and if the brake is not engaged, to emit a warning signal. Thus, on detection of the neonate on the surface, the surrounding environment, e.g., a ward or delivery room are informed that the brake(s) are not engaged and a care giver can manually engage the brake(s). There may be an additional warning signal emitted to Inform the care givers In the surrounding environment that there is still free vertical movement of the surface and a brake could be applied there as well. Thus, the safety of the neonate is increased. The one or more brakes may be manually engaged by a care giver. The one or more brakes may be disengaged or overridden by a care giver. There may be more than one brake. Each wheel may have a brake. There may be one brake which when engaged prevents all of the wheels from moving. The neonate may be detected as having been placed on the surface by any suitable means, for example, by a weight sensor (e.g., photoelectric type, hydraulic type, electromagnetic force type, capacitive type, magnetic pole variation form, vibration type, gyro type, and resistance strain type), a capacitive sensor configured to detect the neonate touching the surface, or an optical sensor configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface. One or more of these methods may be used to detect the neonate on the surface. There may be a layer between the neonate and the surface, for example a mattress may be placed on the surface, and the neonate may be placed on the mattress. On detection of the neonate, the neonatal care device may be configured to either engage a brake which prevents the movement of one or more wheels on the device or may alert a user or the surrounding environment using a signal that the wheels have not been engaged. The mattress may have one or more of the sensors listed above for detecting the presence of a neonate and may communicate the detection of a neonate to the surface. The surface may be configured to receive a mattress comprising a heater, and the neonatal care device may further comprise a power source for the heater. The neonatal device of the second aspect may have any of the features of the first aspect. Any features or definitions of the first aspect may be features or definitions of the second aspect. The neonatal device of the first aspect may have any of the features of the second aspect. Any features or definitions of the second aspect may be features or definitions of the first aspect. The heater may be a heating element. The heating element may be, for example, a resistive heating element. The power source may be configured to be electrically connected to the heater. The electrical connection may be a physical electrical connection, for example, through an electrical wire, or may be through induction. The neonatal care device may further comprise a mattress comprising a heater electrically connected to the power source. The mattress is configured to receive a neonate. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a drape to cover a neonatal care device comprising a plastic sheet and a non-woven pad, the drape configured so that the non-woven pad covers the surface of the neonatal care device of any of the first to third aspects. The plastic sheet may be transparent or translucent. The drape may further comprise securing means configured to secure the drape to the surface and / or frame of the neonatal care device of any of the first to third aspects. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a drape for a neonatal care device comprising: an elongate plastic bag with an open end and a closed end, and a non-woven pad, the non-woven pad arranged at the closed end. For example, the non-woven pad may be arranged such that at least a portion of the non-woven pad is less than 5 cm from the closed end. The plastic bag may comprise plastic sheeting. The non-woven pad may be arranged between the closed end of the drape and between one third and one quarter of the length between the open end and the closed end. The plastic sheet may be transparent or translucent. The drape may have a first portion at the closed end comprising the non-woven pad, and a second portion at the open end, the angle between the first and second portion in use is between 90 0 and 110 °. The drape is a sterile drape. The neonatal care device may not comprise a gas source, or attachments for attaching a gas source. The device may not have a heat source arranged above the surface, that is, the device may not comprise a heat source which irradiates, or projects heat towards the upward face of the surface. There may be no exposed cables or tubes in or on the device. The device, when in use, may have no exposed cables from the device to a power source or a different device. Brief description of the drawings Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a system block diagram of a first neonatal care device; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a neonatal care device; Figure 3 is a first side view of a neonatal care device; Figure 4 is a second side view of a neonatal care device; Figure 5 is a top-down view of a neonatal care device; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a respiratory or resuscitation trolley; Figure 7 is a top-down view of a respiratory or resuscitation trolley; Figure 8 is a first side view of a respiratory or resuscitation trolley; Figure 9 is a second side view of a respiratory or resuscitation trolley; Figure 10 is a render of a first removable mattress and surface of a neonatal care device; Figure 11 is a render of a second removable mattress and surface of a neonatal care device; Figure 12 is a render of a perspective view of the first neonatal care device; Figure 13 is a system block diagram of a second neonatal care device; Figure 14 is a top perspective view of a drape for a neonatal care device; Figure 15 is a bottom perspective view of a drape for a neonatal care device; Figure 16 is a first side view of a drape for a neonatal care device; Figure 16 is a second side view of a drape for a neonatal care device; Figure 17 is a top view of a drape for a neonatal care device; and Figure 18 is an example display for either the first or second neonatal care device. Detailed description Delayed umbilical cord clamping (or simple "delayed cord clamping") is often recommended by many obstetricians and midwives to expectant mothers because of the health benefits of delayed cord clamping provides (see, for example, Fogarty M, Osborn DA, Askie L, et al. Delayed vs early umbilical cord clamping for preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018;218 (1):1-18 and World Health Organisation. Regional office for Western Pacific. Early essential Newborn Care: Clinical practice Pocket Guide. Manila: WHO Regional Office for Western Pacific 2014). Delayed cord clamping is defined as clamping the cord 30 seconds or more after birth of the neonate, but it is often recommended to delay cord clamping to 60 seconds or more after birth of the neonate. Where a neonate delivery is at term and free from health or delivery complications, delayed cord clamping can take place with the neonate resting on the mother, or in another suitable position without the need for additional equipment to support the neonate. However, where a neonate Is pre-term, or when there are concerns about neonate or mother health, or complications around the delivery, it is not possible for the neonate to be situated in a way that allows for delayed cord clamping. In these situations, cord clamping is often not delayed, is performed immediately and the neonate is removed from the maternity bed location to a different location to either receive treatment themselves, and / or to allow the mother to receive treatment. Referring to Figure 1, a neonatal care device 1 includes a surface 2 suitable for receiving or supporting a mattress 3. The mattress 3 comprises a heater 4. The mattress 3 is removably connected to the surface 2. The surface 2 and mattress 3 may be rectangular in shape. The mattress 3 is suitable for receiving a neonate (not shown). The neonatal care device 1 also includes a power source 5, for example, a battery, for the heater 4. The heater 4 may be a heating element, for example, a resistive heating element. The power source 5 may be configured to be electrically connected to the heater 4. The electrical connection may be a physical electrical connection, for example, through an electrical wire, or may be through induction. The power source 5 may be integrated into the device 1. The neonatal care device 1 may also Include a controller 6 and a thermometer 7 for measuring and controlling the temperature of the mattress 3 to ensure that when in operation, it is at a suitable temperature to receive a neonate. For example, a range of suitable temperatures would be 36 °C to 40 °C. The controller 6 may be operatively connected to a display 9 which may indicate the temperature of the mattress 3. The neonatal care device may also have a timer 10 for measuring the time elapsed since the delivery of the neonate / birth of the baby. The timer 10 may be operatively connected to display 9 to indicate the elapsed time to a user. The neonatal care device 1 includes a frame 11 which supports the surface 2. The frame 11 may support the surface 2 along one edge of the surface 2, for example, one of the shorter edges of the rectangular shape. The power source 5 may be integrated into he frame 11. Prior to delivery, at delivery, or immediately after delivery of a neonate, the neonatal care device 1 may be turn on or initiated, and the power source 5 provides power to the heater 4 of the mattress 3. The heater 4 rapidly heats up the mattress 3 to a suitable temperature. Because the neonatal care device 1 has its own power source 5 and does not have to be connected to mains power during operation, the neonatal care device 1 is free from exposed power cables, or other wires trailing from the device. That is, there are no exposed cables or tubes in or on the device 1. The device 1, when in use, has no exposed cables from the device to an external power source or a different device. This therefore may allow the neonatal care device to be easily manoeuvred around a delivery ward, and also be manoeuvred so that the surface 2 can extend over a maternity bed. With the neonatal care device 1 arranged in this way, a neonate can be placed on the mattress 3 once it is at a suitable temperature and remain close to the mother while the necessary time elapses (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or more) before (delayed) cord clamping takes place. This may allow for emergency equipment or devices to be used on the mother or neonate more easily, as there will be fewer cables, wires, or tubes which may be in the way of healthcare providers trying to gain suitable access to the neonate and / or the mother to allow them to provide the necessary care to either. Further, this arrangement ensures that the mattress 3 can be heated while not connected to mains power, and therefore the device 1 can be moved around a ward or room while the mattress 3 is being heated and the device 1 is in operation. Once the neonate has been delivered, the timer 10 is started and the neonate is placed on the mattress 3. While on the mattress 3, the neonate and the mother can receive any necessary care they require. The neonatal care device 1 may also include a speaker 12 or other device for emitting sounds which can be controlled by the controller 6 to indicate or inform users of the elapsed time and / or the temperature of the mattress 3. The indication may be an audible indication, for example an alarm emitted from the speaker 12. The indication may be a recording of, or an imitation of, human voice stating the time since delivery of the neonate, for example "one minute postpartum", or "begin cord clamping" once the desired time has elapsed. Likewise, the speaker 12 may indicate the temperature of the mattress 3 for example stating, "the mattress has reached the set temperature", or, "the temperature of the mattress is 38 degrees Celsius". Optionally, the neonatal care device 1 may include wheels 13 attached to the frame 2 11, to allow the device 1 to be moved over the floor around the delivery ward, and one or more brakes 14 for the wheels 13. There may be one or more brakes 14 for each wheel 13, or there may be a single brake which prevents all the wheels from moving. There may be four wheels 13 attached to the frame 11 of the device 1. There may be a sensor 15 which detects the presence of a neonate on the mattress 3 and / or surface 2 of the neonatal care device. The sensor 15 may be any suitable sensor. The sensor 15 may be a weight sensor (e.g., photoelectric type, hydraulic type, electromagnetic force type, capacitive type, magnetic pole variation form, vibration type, gyro type, and resistance strain type), a capacitive sensor configured to detect the neonate touching the surface 2 and / or mattress 3, an optical, infrared, or near-infrared sensor configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface, or a vibration sensor configured to detect a neonate on the surface 2. One or more of these sensors 15 may be used to detect the neonate on the surface 2. On detection of a neonate on the mattress 3 or surface 2, the neonatal care device 1 may either engage the brake 14 preventing the movement of one or more wheels 13 on the device 1 or may alert a user or the surrounding environment using a signal that the wheels 13 have not been engaged, and therefore that the device 1 has not been immobilised. If the power source 5 is a battery, the battery may be a rechargeable battery. The frame may have a suitable connector (for example, a plug or a socket) for connecting a suitable power cord to the battery to charge the battery. There may be a signal or alert to Indicate a low battery and it may also indicate the number of minutes of operation remaining. The signal or alert may be audible or visual, and if audible may be emitted from the speaker 12. Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the neonatal care device 1 may Include a support as part of the frame 11 for the surface which may allow a user to adjust the height of the surface 2 to accommodate different conditions and patients. That is, the support is configured to allow the surface to be moved up and / or down. The height of the surface may be adjusted using any suitable, means, for example, a clamp system, a ratchet system, or rack and pinion system. The height adjustment may be powered or power-assisted by the power source. The height may be adjusted by using a lever 21. The surface may also be rotated with respect to the support and / or frame 11. The rotation of the surface with respect to the support may be manual, or power assisted. If the rotation is power assisted, the power may be provided from the power source 5. Referring also to Figures 6 to 9, the neonatal care device 1 may include connection means 20 (for example, a docking clamp, a connector, a bracket etc.) for a respiratory or resuscitation device 22, which may allow the connection and securing of a respiratory or resuscitation device to the neonatal device 1, for example, when the neonatal device 1 is in the desired location and position. Therefore, respiratory aid or resuscitation can be delivered to the neonate and / or the mother. The neonatal care device 1 Itself does not include a gas source, or gas tube attachments for attaching a gas source. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the mattress 3 for the neonatal care device 1 is removable connected to the device 1. That is, the mattress can be removed, leaving he electrical connection to the power source (e.g., the battery) in place. Either a new mattress 3 with a heater 4 can be attached, the old mattress 3 reattached, or a chemically heated mattress 3 (e.g., a TransWarmer RTM) can be placed on the surface 2. Referring to Figure 12, the surface 2 of the neonatal care device 1 may have a raised perimeter or edge 24. This may help prevent the neonate from accidentally moving off the surface 2 or mattress 3. The raised perimeter 24 may be automatically removed or deployed, for example, by an actuator (not shown) moving the raised permitter 24 away or down to be flush with the rest of the surface. The raised perimeter 24 may be inflated using a fluid, for example, it may be an inflatable tube in which a fluid can be pumped into or released from. The surface 2 is usually predominantly flat. For example, greater or equal to half the surface 2 may be flat. The surface 2 or the mattress 3 of the neonatal care device 1 may be the highest point of the device. That is, there may be no features or protrusions which are above the surface, or not above 5 cm of the surface. The device 1 does not have a heat source (e.g., and infrared heater) arranged above the surface 2 or mattress 3, that is, the device does not comprise a heat source which irradiates, or projects heat towards the upward face of the surface 2 or mattress 3. This may aid the positioning of the device 1 in the delivery room and may also aid draping the device in a sterile drape (see Figures 14 to 17). The device 1 may include a handle 25 to aid the manoeuvring of the device 1. The neonatal care device 1 may include smooth contours, and may only include smooth contours, reducing the likelihood of objects snagging on the device 1. Referring to Figure 13, a second neonatal care device 30 includes a surface 2 for receiving a neonate, the surface 2 comprises a sensor 15 which can detect when a neonate is placed onto the surface 2 or placed onto a mattress 3 which is arranged on the surface 2. As with the first neonatal care device 1, the sensor 15 of the second neonatal care device may be any suitable sensor 15. The sensor 15 may be a weight sensor (e.g., photoelectric type, hydraulic type, electromagnetic force type, capacitive type, magnetic pole variation form, vibration type, gyro type, and resistance strain type), a capacitive sensor configured to detect the neonate touching the surface 2 and / or mattress 3, an optical, Infrared, or near-infrared sensor configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface, or a vibration sensor configured to detect a neonate on the surface 2. One or more of these sensors 15 may be used to detect the neonate on the surface 2. The second neonatal care device also includes at least three wheels 13, but may have any suitable number of wheels 13, for example, four or five wheels 13. At least one of the wheels 13 has a brake 14 which when engaged prevents the movement of the device 30 over the floor. Each wheel 13 may have a brake 14, alternatively, there may be one brake 14 for all wheels 13 on the device. When the surface 2 or mattress 3 detects the presence of a neonate, for example, just after delivery, the brake 14 is automatically engaged to prevent at least one of the wheels 13 from moving, and therefor from the device from moving over the floor. The brake 14 may power-assisted, and the power may be provided from the power source 5. Alternatively, when the surface 2 or mattress 3 detects the presence of a neonate, the device 30 assesses the status of the brake 14. If the brake 14 is not engaged, then a warning signal is emitted from the device 30, for example, via a speaker 12. The warning signal may be an alarm sound, or may be a recording of, or an imitation of, human voice, stating that the brake 14 is not engaged. Using a human or human-like voice in such a situation is more likely to be noticed by care givers over an alarm sound which may blend into the background number of alarms, bleeps and beeps which may be present on a delivery ward. Where the neonatal device 30 has tried to engage the brake 14, but has been unable to, for example, due to a mechanical, or electrical failure, the device 30 may emit a warning signal that the brake 14 has not been engaged. The brake 14 may be manually engaged by a care giver. The brake 14 may be disengaged or overridden by a care giver. The second neonatal care device 30 may have all the features of the first neonatal care device 1 and vice versa. The definitions of the first neonatal care device 1 may apply for the second neonatal care device 30. Referring to Figures 14 to 17, a drape 35 for covering the first or second neonatal care devices 1, 30 comprises a plastic sheet 36 and a non-woven pad 37. The non-woven pad 37 may be fused to the plastic sheet 36. The non-woven pad 37 is arranged to cover the surface 2 or mattress 3 of the neonatal care device. The plastic sheet 36 may be transparent or translucent. The drape 35 may include securing means to secure the drape 35 to the surface 2 and / or frame 11 of the neonatal care device 1, 30. The plastic sheeting 36 of the drape 35 may be formed into an elongate plastic bag with an open end 38 and a closed end, 39 where the open end is used for inserting the neonatal care device 1, 30, or, in other words, to pull the drape over the (stationery) neonatal care device 1, 30. The drape includes a non-woven pad which is arranged at the closed end. For example, the non-woven pad may be arranged such that at least a portion of the non-woven pad 37 is less than 5 cm from the closed end. The nonwoven pad 37 is arranged between the closed end of the drape and between half or one third and one quarter of the length between the open end 38 and the closed end 39. The drape 35 may have a first portion 40 adjacent to and including the closed end 39 which includes the non-woven pad 37, and a second portion 41 at the open end 38. The first and second portions may be the same length, or approximately the same length. Example lengths for each portion 40, 41 are between 800 mm and 1000 mm. The angle between the first portion 40 and second portion 41 when covering or draping a neonatal care device may be between 90 ° and 110 °. The drape 35 may be a sterile drape. Referring to Figure 18, the display 9 shows the most important information for a care giver in a delivery ward who is using the neonatal care device. The display 9 simply states the time since delivery 42, the current temperature of the mattress 3, the target temperature of the mattress 44, and an indication 45 of the power remaining in the power source 5. Having all the information displayed simply in this way, and not having a display 9 that is cluttered with information which may not be relevant to the present set of procedures aids the care worker to focus on the most important parameters. The target temperature can be set by a care worker. There may be upper and lower bounds outside of which it is not possible to set the temperature of the mattress 3 or surface 2, ensuring that the mattress cannot accidentally be set to a temperature which is either too high or too low. Modifications It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments hereinbefore described. Such modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the design, manufacture and use of neonatal care devices, systems and component parts thereof and which may be used instead of or in addition 5 to features already described herein. Features of one embodiment may be replaced or supplemented by features of another embodiment. Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present 10 invention also includes any novel features or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to 15 such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

Claims

1. A neonatal care device comprising:a surface;a mattress for receiving a neonate comprising a heater, wherein the surface is removably connected to the mattress; anda power source for the heater.

2. The neonatal care device of claim 1 wherein the heater of the mattress is electrically connected to the power source.

3. The neonatal care device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the power source for the mattress comprising the heater is integrated into the device.

4. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 3 further comprising a frame, the frame supporting the surface along a first edge of the surface.

5. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the power source is a battery.

6. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a controller configured to control the temperature of the mattress.

7. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 6 further comprising a thermometer configured to monitor the temperature of the mattress.

8. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the device is configured to emit a signal if the temperature of the mattress is above or below a predetermined range.

9. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 8 further comprising a timer.

10. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the device isconfigured to signal to indicate postpartum duration.

11. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the device is configured to signal when the mattress has reached a desired temperature.

12. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a support configured to allow the adjustment of the height of the surface.

13. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 12 further comprising three wheels configured to allow the device to be moved.

14. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 13 wherein more than half the surface is flat.

15. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the surface comprises a raised perimeter.

16. The neonatal care device of any of claims 1 to 15 wherein the surface or the mattress is at the highest point of the device.

17. A neonatal care device comprising:a surface configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface; andwheels for moving the neonatal care device over a floor, wherein at least one wheel comprises a brake,the device configured, that upon detection of a neonate on the surface, the brake engages preventing the device from moving.

18. A neonatal care device comprising:a surface configured to detect the presence of a neonate on the surface; andwheels for moving the neonatal care device over a floor, wherein at least one wheel comprises a brake,the device configured, on detection of the presence of the neonate on the surface, to determine whether the brake is engaged, and if the brake is not engaged, to emit a warning signal.

19. The neonatal care device of claim 17 or 18 wherein the surface is configured to receive a mattress comprising a heater; andthe device further comprises a power source for the heater.

20. A drape to cover a neonatal care device comprising a plastic sheet and a nonwoven pad, the drape configured so that the non-woven pad covers the surface of the neonatal care device of any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The drape of claim 20 further comprising securing means configured to secure the drape to the surface and / or frame of the neonatal care device of any one of claims 1 to 19.5 22. A drape for a neonatal care device comprising:an elongate plastic bag with an open end and a closed end; and a non-woven pad, the non-woven pad arranged at the closed end.

23. The drape of claim 22, wherein the non-woven pad is arranged between the 10 closed end of the drape and between one third and one quarter of the length between the open end and the closed end.

24. The drape of any of claims 20 to 23 wherein the drape has a first portion at the closed end comprising the non-woven pad, and a second portion at the open end, the 15 angle between the first and second portion in use is between 90 ° and 110 °.

25. The drape of any of claim 20 to 24 wherein the drape Is a sterile drape.21

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