Women’s and Children’s Hospital duo Jac and Jill’s big hearts for tiny patients

Becoming a first-time parent to a premature baby can feel like climbing a mountain. That’s where Jac and Jill come in.

Jacqui Mckeown with baby Tyrah and Jill Holbrook with baby Zivah in the Special Care Baby Unit at WCH. Picture: Mike Burton

It’s taken almost three decades but Jacqui Mckeown is finally getting to give back the love and kindness she received as a first-time mum with a premature bub.

The recently retired retail worker is one half of the affectionately known duo “Jac and Jill” at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Mrs Mckeown and Jill Holbrook, as specially trained family support volunteers, provide comfort to the WCH’s tiniest patients in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

They offer a reassuring cuddle or song so parents can take a break from their babies’ bedsides. Mrs Mckeown knows only too well what the support means for parents. Her only child, Hannah, now 26, was born at 27 weeks gestation.

“We are just so fortunate and grateful that she survived … I can relate to the parents and to the babies,” she said.

Mrs Mckeown said she was relieved the Tiny Star Bead Program, put on hold for most of 2020 due to COVID, was also again able to be offered.

The beads are given to families to celebrate significant baby milestones, such as breathing on their own. SCBU midwifery unit manager Mary-Ann Crossman said: “For parents, knowing their child is receiving individual attention can provide a huge relief.”