Existing facilities for parents, whose babies may be in the Neonatal Unit for any time from a few days up to several months, are extremely poor - lack of privacy in waiting areas; no secure storage for personal belongings; inadequate play space for siblings; and no facilities to make tea/coffee or prepare food, forcing parents to leave the Unit and their babies. Parental wellbeing is equally important to the care each baby received, and having adequate facilities is vital to this.

Through an extensive programme of refurbishment which will provide much needed family facilities, including: a more private family space, with kitchen facilities; a dedicated play area for siblings; and improved overnight accommodation for parents who need to stay close to their babies. We believe that this will help support families through a very difficult time in their lives, and enhance the working environment of staff, enabling them to focus on giving the best possible care to the babies.