Extra Cot Will Save Lives

The neonatal intensive care unit has launched a campaign to raise 68,000 pounds for another intensive care cot for premature babies. Staff want help in buying the potentially life-saving equipment and have asked supporters to donate what they can to the campaign or host their own events to gather extra money.

Chris Thomas, clinical nurse manager, said: "We need an incubator, drip stand, infusion pumps and a monitor to deliver the care we give, as well as the physical table to put it on and chairs by the side of it for the parents to sit on. The set-up will then be there for babies and parents who need it, including all premature deliveries from the labour ward."

The neonatal intensive care unit was moved to the hospital's new 40 million pound maternity block a year ago this month. It has already seen more than 450 babies. The unit runs with 23 of the special cots, but has space and staff for 26.

Chris said: "We rely a lot on donations in order to buy equipment. This is an expensive field of nursing, but it is also one that has a lot of emotion attached to it. Fund-raising is ongoing, but we are lucky because we have some regulars who do a lot for us. Usually parents who have been through our services fund-raise for us too, because they recognise the level of care that is given and the amount of equipment that is needed to support their babies on their journeys through here."

Steve Rushton, charitable fund manager, said: "The new facility is absolutely fabulous but there is always more we can do to assist the staff in caring for very sick babies. We cannot thank our fundraisers enough. I would like to reassure every person involved in raising funds that each and every contribution is vital to our continued service to maintain life."