World Prematurity Day celebrates ‘amazing journeys’

On the Special Care Baby Unit at Rotherham Hospital there were purple decorations and displays —the colour used to mark World Prematurity Day internationally — and gifts and cards for every family who visited from Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity and SCBU staff.

Later, an afternoon of fun was hosted by the Big Apple Play City where former patients and their families got together to enjoy cakes and refreshments provided by local businesses and the opportunity to reunite.

SCBU nurse team leader June Adams, who helps organise the day, said: “Some families spend months on special care and their babies go through very tough times physically and emotionally and it’s so important to recognise and remember this.

“We are passionate about celebrating their amazing journeys, sharing how proud we are of them all and how far they have come.

“It’s a day we look forward to every year.”

Nursery nurse Julia Wing, who also coordinates the celebration, said: “SCBU is such a brilliant place to work — to have the privilege to touch so many families lives is such an honour to us all.

“When we talk about being part of a family it really is just that, a unique little bubble.”

Mum Stacey Dean, who came along with her partner John and their baby, Emily, said: “I didn’t know what to expect because we haven’t been before but it’s been a really fun, friendly afternoon.

“Like all the colleagues have said, we want Emily to remember the Special Care Baby Unit and the work they do for babies like her.

“I can’t say enough good things about them. The way they’ve looked after our miracle baby? They deserve a medal.”