You would’ve had to have your head in the sand over the last 16 months if you hadn’t heard of the Barely Born Appeal.
Throughout the last year or so, the appeal has spearheaded masses of fund-raising events across the Island to raise much needed cash for the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Mary’s Hospital.
The new unit, which opens it’s doors tomorrow, is now situated on the same floor as the Maternity Department, making it far easier for mothers to be closer to their babies who are in need of intensive care.
There are new facilities for siblings on the unit, overnight accommodation for parents and a specially designed quiet/counselling room installed to offer support for those coming to terms with baby’s illness.
Gill Kennett, Associate Director for Child, Family and Therapy Services at St. Mary’s Hospital said: “So many people have given up their days, evenings and weekends to support the Barely Born Appeal and help to raise funds for a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that we wanted to give everybody who has supported the appeal the opportunity to come and see how their efforts have helped us so far, and of course to thank them personally for their support.”
Pamela George, Sister of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit said: “We are thrilled with the new unit and look forward to the changes it will make in enabling us to work with the families of the babies that need our help. Having modern, bright, surroundings creates a real home from home atmosphere which promotes bonding, good recovery and wellbeing for babies, parents and staff.
Windows of Life
Also taking place tomorrow is th launch of the ‘Windows of Life’ project.
You can help raise funds for the unit by purchasing leaves, apples or doves which you can have inscribed with your name or family member names that are then added to the windows to make up a display focused around growth and the cycle of life.
Gill Kennett continued: “We still have some way to go in order to reach our fundraising goal for the Barely Born Appeal. So, if anyone would like to help, we will be pleased to discuss their fundraising ideas at the open day on the 4th.”
Open to all
It’s not just the Island’s great and good that have been invited to the opening of the new unit, members of the public are invited to visit the new unit on Friday 4 September between 3-9pm.
Visitors are asked to park in the North car park at St. Mary’s Hospital and follow the signs to the Upper Maternity Department.
