New £2.5m Baby Unit Lets Parents Stay Close to Newborns in Burton

A newly refurbished neonatal unit at Queen’s Hospital in Burton-upon-Trent is giving parents precious time close to their premature and poorly newborns — day and night.

The special care baby unit, reopened in October after a £2.5 million upgrade, now has facilities for up to 12 families to stay overnight. It supports babies born after 32 weeks or those needing immediate medical help after birth.

A lifeline for parents of premature babies

Two-week-old Evelyn was born six weeks early and is one of the first babies cared for in the new unit. Her mum, Kara, says being able to stay beside her daughter has made all the difference.

“It’s meant the world… we can be here next to Evelyn 24/7 and give her the best start,” she said.

Evelyn is making strong progress — gaining weight, feeding well, and learning to regulate her temperature — key milestones before going home.

Her dad Daniel described the environment as “nice” and “relaxed”, helping parents cope during what can be a stressful time.

Designed around families

Lead neonatal nurse Lynn Slade said the old unit was “dark” and too cramped for parents to remain with their babies.

For parents like Kara and Daniel, the refurbishment has already proved invaluable:

“Being in this environment helps… she’s doing really well.”