Tiny twin miracles bring Christmas joy to Townsville University Hospital

This Christmas, Townsville locals Anneka and Justin Smith are celebrating the greatest gift of all, their preterm, identical twin girls Grace and Clara being home after a long journey in Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) neonatal unit. 

The babies, helped by their family, will put the first star on the TUH Christmas tree today, heralding the start of the festive season and the launch of hospital charity Brighter Lives’ Christmas appeal. 

Anneka said finding out she was expecting twins was a dream come true. 

“It was a wow moment because Justin always wanted to be a dad and then, suddenly, we found out we were having twins and an instant family,” Anneka said. 

But their joy quickly turned to uncertainty and fear when doctors noticed a significant size difference between the babies at the 12-week scan.

Anneka was placed under the care of TUH’s maternal fetal medicine (MFM) team, attended multiple scans a week and toured the neonatal unit at 26 weeks gestation in preparation for their inevitable stay at Christmas time last year. 

“The NICU was decorated beautifully for Christmas and the staff were so kind and welcoming,” Anneka said. 

“When we left, I remember saying to Justin that I felt better knowing that the babies would be so closely monitored and cared for.” 

North Queensland MFM unit director Dr David Watson said the twins were extremely rare. 

“Monochorionic twins share a single placenta, which can lead to complications such as selective fetal growth restriction occurring in about 10 to 15 per cent of single-placenta pregnancies when one twin receives less placental blood flow,” Dr Watson said. 

“In the Smiths’ case, the growth restriction was severe with a 60 per cent size discrepancy leading to an extremely rare and high-risk situation.” 

Grace and Clara arrived via caesarean on March 3 at 33 weeks and four days with Grace weighing in at 2.1 kg and Clara mere 939 grams. 

Grace spent 28 days in neonatal intensive care, while Clara had to stay for a staggering 132 days due to a serious heart condition that would ultimately require open-heart surgery in Brisbane. 

TUH neonatal senior staff specialist Dr Sue Ireland said Clara’s care was a true team effort. 

“We worked closely with TUH’s paediatric cardiologist Dr Mangesh Jadhav until Clara was strong enough to travel to Brisbane for her successful surgery,” Dr Ireland said. 

“For our staff, caring for the tiniest babies and then reuniting with their families for milestones like Christmas will always be incredibly special.” 

Justin and Anneka said the neonatal team had become like a second family. 

“It was very hard taking Grace home and not knowing how long Clara would have to stay in hospital,” Justin said. 

“But we trusted the staff so much with her, and they always kept us informed about her progress and care.” 

“They taught us everything from changing tiny nappies to bathing with tubes, we always felt listened to.” 

Now, as Christmas lights twinkle across Townsville, the Smith family is together at home for their first holiday season with two healthy little girls. 

“Christmas feels extra special this year,” Anneka said. 

“Last year Justin and I were quite isolated at Christmas time because of the risks that came with me getting sick were too high. 

“After everything that has happened, having both girls healthy and at home is the best gift we could have asked for.” 

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Tony Mooney said the health service was delighted to welcome Clara and Grace back to TUH to mark their special milestone. 

“When our tree goes up in the foyer, it signals the beginning of the festive season,” he said. 

“We know that a hospital is not where people want to be at Christmas, but the tree brings some daily joy.” 

Brighter Lives chief executive Stephanie Naunton said the charity’s Christmas appeal supported families like the Smiths. 

“This year, Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation is fundraising to help brighten the lives of those spending Christmas in hospital,” she said. 

“We look forward to the annual Christmas tree event which kicks off the season and can’t wait to welcome special guests including the Choral Aires from the Townsville Choral Society, and Santa and his elves from Willows Shopping Centre. 

“A small donation can help brighten someone’s stay in hospital this Christmas, with 100 per cent of donations staying local.” 

Donations can be made at the Brighter Lives website – www.brighterlives.org.au