A 'Home away from Home' opens at Birmingham hospital for parents of premature babies
Today (17th) is World Prematurity Day
Last updated 17th Nov 2022
A new 'Home away from Home' has opened at Heartlands Hospital, to help families whose baby is in need of urgent care because they are sick or born prematurely.
Funded by the University Hospitals Birmingham Charity (UHB), this new home allows families who may live miles away from the hospital to stay, reducing the costs of accommodation and travel.
The house is a two-minute walk away from the Neonatal unit which takes the stress away from parents and means they can be with their loved ones all hours of the day.
The house has a kitchen and lounge area, bathroom, bedroom, as well as a second room which can be used as a games room or another bedroom.
The opening of the home has come at an important time for many families who are struggling with the cost-of-living, as this ensures parents can stay close to their babies for no extra cost.
Charlotte Schofield, the director of fundraising for UHB Charity, says this will help reduce the stress for families: "When you have a really poorly baby in hospital, you don't want to be separated from the ones you love. You want to be together, so you can support one another.
"By having somewhere like this, we just get rid of those stresses, and they can focus on being with their baby. For our families they need this home more than they ever have before.
"The feedback we have had is really incredible and it makes you think just how vital this home is," she said.
To donate to the UHB charity, click here.