24 July 2009
Parents of sick or premature babies can now get the very best of care for their children in a really welcoming atmosphere, thanks to a £200,000 refurbishment of the neonatal intensive care unit at St Helier Hospital.
The unit, which officially opened its doors on Thursday 16 July, has undergone a top-to-toe refurbishment, including new floors, painted walls and a brand new reception area. The improvements are part of the ongoing £2.8 million refurbishment of the maternity unit, which is due to be completed in autumn.
Senior neonatology nurse and manager, Catherine Swanson said: "The unit is light, bright and totally welcoming. The staff all love it and we've had some really positive feedback from the people who have visited and had a look around. We hosted an open day last month, where we showed members of the public around, and it was a complete success. We're all very proud of the unit and can't wait to start treating people here."
The refurbishment also includes the improvement of three accommodation rooms, where parents of critically ill babies can stay overnight. Each accommodation room contains a double sofa bed, a TV, fridge and microwave.
Catherine said: "The babies we care for here are often very sick, and for parents, staying with their baby is an absolute priority. That's why we have some of the best parent accommodation around - we want to make the parents who stay here feel as comfortable as possible during a difficult and distressing time. These newly decorated rooms are now a home from home."
The neonatology departments at both Epsom and St Helier hospitals recently received very positive results in a national survey. The latest CMACE report (Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries) showed that the mortality (death) rate for neonatal children and the number of stillbirths at the Trust is significantly lower than the national average.
Catherine added: "We were very pleased with the CMACE report and now with the new unit up and running, we are confident that we are giving newborn babies and their families a high level of care in a really pleasant atmosphere."
