Lister Hospital appeals for parent rooms revamp

In partnership with the Lister Neonatal Unit Families Group, the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Hospitals' Charity wants to create a 'home from home' for parents whose babies are nearly ready to go home after having treatment on the Lister Hospital neonatal unit. Staying in these rooms, with the neonatal team nearby for support, helps parents feel more confident when their baby is well enough to be discharged. The rooms are also used by parents whose babies are still on the ward, so they can stay close to their baby.

A spokesperson for the charity says: "We have four of these rooms, and while fit for purpose, they were last updated many years ago and they now feel quite dated and are too clinical.

“£15,000 per room will help us transform the spaces into rooms that feel more like home. We want to lay new flooring, hang nice wallpaper, install fresh blinds, add new lighting and provide a fridge, side table and wardrobe. The bathroom will also have new flooring, panelling and sanitary ware. All furniture and refurbishment will meet our clinical standards, but will feel much more welcoming and homely.”

Mum Charlie spent 10 days on the neonatal unit with her son who was born preterm. When she was allocated a room, she felt a huge sense of relief. She says: “I was finally able to get a little rest and was close enough for the neonatal team to ring me when my baby woke so I could dash down to breastfeed him.

"The room was a haven, an oasis of peace and a place to gather myself and have some privacy during the hardest times. The planned improvements will make such a difference to parents in need of a sanctuary – a comforting cocoon and a positive space to nurture themselves and their babies before they are able to return home."

Find out more at: https://www.enhhcharity.org.uk/Appeal/neonatalbedrooms