If a baby is unwell, contact the baby’s local clinical service, neonatal team, GP or NHS 111. Call 999 in an emergency. The BALLOON email address is not a clinical service.
General information only
This website explains the BALLOON trial for families, health professionals and the public. It does not replace clinical assessment, individual medical advice, the approved protocol, Participant Information Sheet, consent form, treatment label, pharmacy documentation, safety guidance or local trial procedures.
Participating families
For questions about trial treatment, study procedures, equipment, swabs, missed doses or participation, parents should contact the research nurse at their baby’s local hospital. Clinical concerns should be directed to the baby’s local clinical service.
Health professionals
Website summaries are not operational instructions. Staff must use the current approved and controlled version of each trial document and follow delegation, training, sponsor and local procedures. A downloaded or printed copy may have been superseded.
Accuracy and external links
The team aims to keep information accurate and current, but trial procedures, contacts, documents and recruitment figures can change. External links are provided for convenience; BALLOON is not responsible for the availability or content of third-party websites.
Research uncertainty
BALLOON is being conducted because it is not yet known whether Bactek reduces chest infections in babies born very prematurely. Website language must not imply proven benefit or replace the balanced information required for informed consent.