Neco Ben Erin and Nigel

New Neonatal Unit opens at QMC

Posted on: 11 Dec 2024

Hospital staff, supporters and families gathered together yesterday (Tuesday 10th December 2024) to mark the opening of the new Neonatal Unit at Queen’s Medical Centre.

The brand new, £32-million unit is the largest in the East Midlands, and is four times the size of the previous Neonatal Unit at the hospital. It been specially designed to be a home-from-home for babies and their families, who may spend weeks or even months in hospital.

Thanks to supporters of our Big Appeal, Nottingham Hospitals Charity has been able to provide over £322,000 of funding to provide family-friendly enhancements to the unit. This includes welcoming artwork, comfortable furniture, and children’s play equipment, to help make the unit less daunting for families spending time there. 

Play area
One of the play areas for siblings in the new unit

Nigel Gregory, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “Thanks to all those who have generously donated to our Big Appeal, we are delighted to have been able to fund some of the special touches, home comforts and additional equipment that will help make this new neonatal unit a home-from-home for babies and families.

“With poorly babies and their families at the forefront of our minds, we have funded added extras such as glazed screens between bays, to allow families to have space and privacy with their babies, welcoming wall art in the entrance to help visitors feel at home when entering the unit, and comfortable furniture and play equipment for siblings visiting their baby brothers and sisters. I’d like to thank everyone who has donated to make this possible, it will make a real difference to families who may be spending weeks or even months on the unit.” 

Neonatal bay
One of the bays, including the wildflower themed privacy screens

Erin Rai, whose son Neco was treated on the old Neonatal Unit when he was born prematurely 18 months ago, said: "The new unit is going to make such a difference to new parents who are going to experience a stay in the Neonatal Unit. It’s more comfortable and vibrant than it was when I had Neco, it doesn’t look as dull and daunting when you first walk through the doors. It's amazing, and future parents will have much more space rather than being enclosed."

NUH Programme Director, Jenni Twinn, has led the delivery of the Neonatal Unit and explained that a huge amount of thought has gone into the design. 

She said: “We have been on an incredible journey.  When we first set out on this project we wanted to do things a bit differently, to provide a unit that is exactly what our families and staff need.  We are confident we have achieved this and, in doing so, we have created a real home-from-home.

“Everything has been carefully thought out, from the soothing colours and furniture used to provide a comforting feel, to installing the latest state-of-the-art technology that will enhance the experience of both families and staff.  It is this attention to detail that sets this unit apart and which will really make a difference to all those involved. 

“This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of so many people who have committed to making this beautiful unit a reality.”