Neonatal Unit Refurbishment Enhances Family Comfort and Privacy
New spaces at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals provide parents with improved facilities for bonding and rest during challenging times.
By Leah Sutcliffe
••3 min read
AI
A refurbished family room in a neonatal unit, designed for comfort and privacy.
Refurbished family accommodation within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) now offers enhanced comfort and privacy for parents and carers staying with their babies.
Neonatal care units provide essential support for babies born prematurely, unwell, or requiring additional monitoring. Recognising the challenging and uncertain time for families, the refurbishment aims to keep parents and carers close to their babies and involved in their care.
The improvements within the Women’s and Children’s Hospital at DRI have created modern, calming spaces. Five rooms now feature double or queen-sized beds, additional seating, increased storage, tranquil murals, and decorative ceiling lighting that can be adjusted to create a softer environment for activities like feeding and bonding.
DBTH Charity contributed soft furnishings and a microwave, adding homely touches and practical support. Families also have access to nearby toilet and kitchen facilities on the ward. A sixth room has received similar upgrades, including a kitchenette and en-suite toilet and shower, offering a self-contained space for longer stays, with recliner chairs for additional sleeping arrangements.
The neonatal service at Bassetlaw Hospital is also undergoing refurbishment, with a new family accommodation room featuring an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette expected soon.
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"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."
Laura Churm, Divisional Lead Nurse for Paediatrics, stated: “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.”
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at DBTH, added: “This investment is helping us to create welcoming spaces that support comfort, privacy and a positive experience alongside high-quality clinical care.”
