21/12/2022
Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital is urgently appealing for the public’s help to make bedding items which is essential in helping our premature and vulnerable babies who are being cared for in the neonatal unit.
Angela Hughes, Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit explained: “As we go towards the busy Christmas and New Year period our stock of bedding items are very low and we are looking for any budding seamstresses/dress makers in the local community to make cot sheets, bonding squares (10cm x 10cm); giraffe covers and cosies using cotton or polycotton and kindly donate them to the unit. The padded cosies are used when we place babies in developmental nests to support their position and simulate the shape of their mummies womb. The incubator covers are used to provide a dark environment in the incubator, to promote rest.
Angela continued: “We are very grateful for the kindness and generosity of the general public in helping our most vulnerable babies and their parents. It is very much appreciated. I would encourage everyone to help in any way they can. Thank you.”
Pictured are Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Staff members Consultant Paediatrician Dr Mary Ledwidge, who made the incubator covers; Dr Ade and Staff Nurse Claire Brennan and photographs of cosies and incubator covers.
For information on pattern details please email Angela Hughes – angela.hughes@westerntrust.hscni.net. Donations can be dropped off at the Neonatal Unit, First Floor, South Wing building, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry.