Neonatal care supports babies who are born prematurely, are unwell, or need additional monitoring or treatment after birth.
For families, having a baby admitted to a neonatal unit can be an incredibly challenging and uncertain time, making it particularly important that parents and carers are able to stay close to their baby and be involved in their care wherever possible.
The refurbishment, within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at DRI, has created modern, calming spaces where parents and carers can spend time with their babies in greater comfort and privacy.
Five of the rooms now feature double or queen-sized beds, additional seating and increased storage, alongside tranquil murals and decorative ceiling lighting. The lighting can be adjusted to create a softer environment at night and support activities such as feeds and bonding time.
DBTH Charity has contributed some of the soft furnishings and a microwave, adding homely touches and practical support for families, who also have access to toilet and kitchen facilities close by on the ward.
The sixth room has received the same improvements, while also providing a kitchenette and en-suite toilet and shower. This creates a self-contained space offering additional privacy and making it particularly suitable for families requiring longer stays. Recliner chairs also provide additional sleeping arrangements where needed.
Rooms are allocated to families according to the individual needs of their baby.
The service at Bassetlaw Hospital is also undergoing refurbishment, with a new family accommodation room featuring an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette expected to become available soon.
Laura Churm, Divisional Lead Nurse for Paediatrics, said: “The Trust is delighted to be able to offer these newly refurbished spaces for our families. We know that having a baby on the neonatal unit can be a nervous and often challenging time, and being able to give families somewhere they can spend time together in privacy and comfort can make a real difference.
“These rooms allow parents and carers to be close to their babies and be part of those precious moments, from feeding and bonding to simply being together. We hope the improvements will help make their time with us a little more comfortable and create positive memories during what can otherwise be a difficult period.”
Parents and carers who use the accommodation have told colleagues how valuable having a comfortable space close to their baby can be.
One parent said: “The room allowed us to get some much needed rest at appropriate times while our baby was sleeping to ensure we were ready to help care for her when we were needed.”
Another parent said: “Having access to a comfortable bed, a private space, and kitchen and bathroom facilities was very helpful. Being able to stay close to our baby 24/7 gave us comfort and peace of mind.”
Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at DBTH, said: “The Trust is always looking at ways to improve the experience of our patients and families, and these refurbished rooms are a great example of that commitment in practice. Providing parents and carers with a comfortable, private space to stay close to their baby can make a real difference, helping families feel supported and comfortable during their time with us.
“This investment is helping us to create welcoming spaces that support comfort, privacy and a positive experience alongside high-quality clinical care.”