Royal Cornwall Hospital neonatal parents could soon get a quiet room

Parents of a poorly newborn tend to want one thing above all else, which is to stay close. But hour after hour on a busy clinical unit takes its toll. And at the moment there is nowhere nearby that feels like anything other than a hospital.

The Neonatal team at Royal Cornwall Hospital wants to change that, and it is asking the local community to help raise £10,000 to do it.

A room that doesn’t feel like a ward

The plan is to transform an existing room on the unit into a welcoming, non-clinical space for parents and families. With support from Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity’s Neonatal Fund, the team hopes to create somewhere calm where parents can step away from the clinical environment without going far from their baby.

It would have comfortable seating and a softer, more homely feel. Somewhere to relax, talk with other families, or simply take some quiet time.

Mel Frost, Ward Manager, said: “When your baby needs neonatal care, your whole world can suddenly feel very different. Parents can spend many hours with us, often during an incredibly worrying and emotional time.

“We want to create a space that feels completely different from the clinical environment. Somewhere calm and comfortable where parents can have a cup of tea, talk to another parent or simply have a few quiet moments to themselves.

“Having somewhere like this, close to their baby, could make such a difference to families. We would be incredibly grateful for any support from our local community.”

A new film from the unit

Alongside the campaign, a new video has been launched showing the work of the Neonatal Unit and the difference charitable donations make to babies and families.

It highlights the specialist care the team provides, and the part community support plays in helping the Neonatal Fund pay for equipment, family support and improvements to the care environment.

“Our team cares for a wide range of babies who need specialist support after birth,” Mel said. “This video helps tell their stories and highlights the difference our local community makes through its support of the Neonatal Fund.”

How to help

Local people, businesses, schools and community groups are all being invited to help reach the £10,000 target, either by donating or by organising a fundraiser of their own.

Karen Murrish, Fundraising Manager at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, said: “We are pleased to support the team with their fundraising and help bring their plans for this special space to life. Every donation, large or small, will take them one step closer to their £10,000 target.”

Details on donating or setting up a fundraiser are on the Neonatal Unit page of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity website.