UHNM Charity-funded kitchen refurbishment to improve experience and comfort of Neonatal parents

The experience and comfort of parents whose new-born babies are receiving care at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been improved thanks to hospital charity funding.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Royal Stoke University Hospital has been able to refurbish its patient and visitor kitchen after receiving a grant from UHNM Charity.

Funding from the hospital charity has enabled staff from NICU to install a band-new fitted kitchen and improve seating and dining facilities.

Katy Edwards, NICU Matron, said: “These improvements made to NICU, thanks to support from UHNM Charity, will benefit parents, their families and loved ones during their most difficult times.

“We’ve completely redesigned the kitchen and seating area’s layout using parent advice and feedback. We previously had two lines of chairs as you entered the room, which would make conversations quite awkward for those sat there or anybody walking through to access the kitchen or make a hot drink. The new layout puts a lot more emphasis on family meal times, and sitting together in a restful and peaceful space positioned within the Unit, so parents can quickly return to their baby if they are needed.

“Improvements include a brand-new kitchen with full facilities, as well as replacement white goods and sofas. We’ve also been lucky enough to have a number of items such as crockery and cutlery donated by our previous families, and we are very grateful to them for this.

“I’m so pleased this wonderful new space is now available to our families to benefit from. It’s been two years in the making, moving water and electrics with the help of our UHNM Estates Team and outside contractors, all whilst causing minimal disruption to families.”

NICU is based within the Royal Stoke Maternity Centre and offers care for up to 26 babies and their families. The unit has six intensive care cots, six high dependency cots and 14 special care cots and 10 transitional care cots.

One of the first parents to benefit from the new facility was Kayleigh Condliffe from Biddulph.

Kayleigh’s son Archie has been receiving care on NICU for two months after being born at 28 weeks weighing 3lbs 1oz.

Kayleigh said: “It’s been an emotional journey with ups and downs, but we feel really supported by all members of staff on NICU. It’s been nice to come into this new kitchen where we’ve met other parents and got to know them and their journey which has helped. We’ve got somewhere to come away from all the busyness of the Unit. You can have some food, have a cry, and have that space to gather your thoughts.”

Charlotte Waite’s son Hudson was born at 30 weeks weighing just 2lbs 7oz.

Charlotte from Burslem said: “We too have had our ups and downs, but we’ll hopefully be going home this week. As much as you want to be with your baby, it’s nice to come away from the bedside, have something eat and drink for five or ten minutes in a calm and relaxing environment.

“Thank you very much to UHNM Charity and everybody who has done something to raise money for NICU, it makes a big difference.”

Katy Edwards said: “We are so grateful to UHNM Charity and our fundraisers. These projects are only made possible thanks to their donations, and we listen to parents and people who come through our doors and with the support of UHNM Charity, react to what they say.

“Improvements like this kitchen are from parents to parents, to try and make that journey a bit more bearable. It’s a very stressful and emotional time for all the families we care for, and if we can make something a tiny bit better for them during their journey, then that’s what we’ll continue to do.