‘They saved our baby’s life’: Appeal launched to allow parents to stay with premature babies in Northampton General Hospital

An appeal has been launched to improve facilities at Northampton General Hospital, which will allow parents to stay with their premature or unwell babies in the neonatal unit.

The Gosset Ward currently has 20 cots and the team looks after around 400 babies per year – some are born 18 weeks early and weigh less than a bag of sugar, meaning they may have to stay in hospital for over four months.

Difficulties with breathing and feeding means they require round-the-clock medical care, which requires parents to travel back and forth to the hospital and leave their babies overnight.

As NHS funding is limited and providing accommodation for parents is beyond what can be funded, donations to Northamptonshire Health Charity’s appeal can help the team build a two-bedroom en-suite parent block closeby to the unit.

Fundraising was kickstarted earlier this year by Steph and Steven White, who wanted to give back to the Gosset Neonatal Unit for the “amazing care” given to their son. William was born six-and-half-weeks early in August 2021.

The couple decided to run 48 kilometres in 21 hours, starting at 1.22am – matching the time William was born on August 4, 2021.

Thanks to overwhelming support from family and friends, with many having taken part alongside the pair, Steph and Steven raised £8,579 for the appeal.

Steph said: “At one of the most difficult times in our lives, the nurses and doctors on Gosset Ward became our family. They gave us support, encouragement and reassurance to be good parents to William.

“They saved our baby’s life and we will never be able to repay them.”

The couple decided to fundraise as they wanted to show their gratitude to the ward and hospital, but to help other parents of premature babies too.

“It was so hard leaving William in the hospital and coming home without him at the end of each day,” added Steph. “We felt so guilty and hope the new parent accommodation can relieve some of this stress for families at the most difficult times of their lives.”

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Health Charity says they want to support parents as best they can and understand they want to stay close to their children.

“Little in life could be more upsetting than your sick baby in hospital and you have to go home,” the spokesperson added. “Being close helps parents to bond, and perhaps eases some of their stresses.”

Making these changes will enable parents to feel more in control and involved in their baby’s care, and will make breastfeeding easier.

Dr Nick Barnes, consultant paediatrician and lead consultant for neonates, said: “No matter how large or small, every donation will really help. This will make a significant difference to the care the Northampton neonatal unit can provide, particularly in helping parents through a very challenging time.”

Northampton General Hospital’s neonatal ward cares for sick babies from across the Midlands, and some from even further afield, and many parents resort to staying in hotels or making the long commute each day.

If you would like to take on a challenge or hold an event to support the cause, you can find more information here. Alternatively, you can contact the Northamptonshire Health Charity team on 01604 626927 or [email protected].