A neonatal unit that makes patients “feel like family” has been nationally recognised for its care.
Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s neonatal unit has been awarded the Bliss Baby Charter Gold Award, becoming one of just 10 hospitals in England to receive the accolade.
The award, given by the charity Bliss, recognises excellence in family-centred care for premature and sick babies.
Shauna Neuman, whose daughter Autumn was born more than 10 weeks early, praised the team for their support.
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Ms Neuman said: “Everyone always asks us how was your experience, it must have been so scary and upsetting, but for us it wasn’t like that.
“The Worcester neonatal team made you feel like family.
“I enjoyed coming in to see Autumn but also to see all of the lovely nurses.
“I will never stop singing their praises.”
She also described the care they received after leaving the hospital.
Ms Neuman said: “It didn’t stop when we were discharged home.
“We were under outreach for a good few months as Autumn had oxygen requirements.
“I remember being so scared, but I didn’t need to be, I was taught how to manage, change and clean the oxygen tubes so thoroughly and the support was always there at the other end of the line.
“Even 10 months later, we visit occasionally and are forever grateful to the team who saved and nourished our little girl.”
Bliss praised the unit for its teamwork, knowledge, and commitment to involving parents in their baby’s care.
Charlotte Damiral, Bliss Baby Charter programme officer, said: “There was clear evidence of a shared commitment to placing families at the centre of care, with staff consistently recognising the importance of involving parents and carers as partners in their baby’s care and celebrating these steps with them.”
Mel Pople, the unit’s Family Integrated Care Lead, said: “We care for and support the whole family as well as their baby, because we know that the best possible outcomes will come from the parents feeling confident, competent and attuned to meeting their baby’s needs.”
