UCLH gives new parents precious time to bond

University College London Hospital (UCLH) has been named an employer with heart for being the first London hospital to introduce extra support and paid leave to staff whose babies are born prematurely or need special care.

It is among employers leading the way after London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged organisations to ease the stress of parents during this often heart-rending time.

Ben Morrin, Director of Workforce at UCLH, says: "Having a baby born early can mean waiting weeks before you bring your baby home from hospital and added stress and emotional worry, juggling work and family commitments. Mums and dads across UCLH will now have extra time and help after any premature birth.

"That time should never have to be taken as normal maternity or paternity leave. We hope that by introducing extended leave we will give parents precious time to bond when any affected family is back home together."

Following the introduction of the new policy, UCLH was awarded the Employer with Heart accreditation by premature baby charity The Smallest Thing.

Catriona Ogilvy, charity founder, says: "We are delighted that UCLH has taken these step towards supporting staff whose babies are born premature or poorly. It is leading the way alongside other London employers, such as the Mayor Sadiq Khan and Sony Music UK, and we hope that other London hospitals follow the example."