Charity-funded psychological support offered to parents of premature babies in Sheffield

Important psychological support for parents is being offered by a Sheffield neonatal unit, thanks to Sheffield Hospitals Charity donations.

Fundraisers have paid for two part-time psychologists to work alongside hospital health staff at the Jessop Wing's neonatal unit, enhancing the care on offer to parents.

Dr Angela Marsh and Dr Jessica Lane say they are there to build on the already excellent level of support offered by the unit, as well as supporting the well-being of staff at the frontline of neonatal care.

Clinical Psychologist Dr Marsh says: "Our roles have been created in response to the national drivers recommending that psychological care should be at the heart of all care given in neonatal services.

It is widely acknowledged that families whose babies are admitted into a neonatal unit suffer stress and may experience significant trauma. Evidence also indicates that families whose babies are premature and need care on a neonatal unit are more vulnerable to anxiety, stress, difficulties bonding, or low mood.

"Our role is to provide and facilitate psychological thinking and support to families," Dr Marsh continues. "Neonatal staff have already done a great deal of work to embed family-centred care into practice. We are here to help build upon this and expand the specialist psychological care that can be provided."