Charity launches appeal to refurbish neonatal bedrooms at Lister Hospital in Stevenage

East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity has launched an appeal to refurbish the neonatal bedrooms at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

The bedrooms are used by parents whose babies are nearly ready to go home having been cared for on the neonatal unit. Staying in these rooms, with medical support nearby, helps parents feel much more confident and ready to take their baby home when they're well enough to be discharged. 

The rooms are also used by parents whose babies are still on the ward in special or intensive care, so they can stay close to their baby.

The four rooms were last updated many years ago and are now in need of refurbishment. The charity needs to raise £15,000 per room for new flooring, lighting, furniture, sanitaryware, blinds and to be decorated to make them much more welcoming and homely. 

Andrew and Laura, members of Lister Neonatal Unit Families Group, are backing the appeal to say thank you to the neonatal unit for caring for their twins Noah and Olivia (pictured). 

Andrew said: "My wife and I were able to use a room for a night before we were able to bring our twins home and we were hugely appreciative to have had that space for our family – but it's definitely in need of updating and some homely touches. 

"This project is really exciting as I know just how much of a difference it is going to make for other families who require the love and care from the staff and to be close to the facilities at the hospital. 

"We've signed up to do the charity's Rainbow Run in June to raise funds for the rooms and I'll also be doing the annual dads' challenge with some of the other dads from the neonatal group to raise funds. We haven't decided on this year's challenge but previously we completed a 12-hour 'Cycle-athon' and also held a triathlon at Lister Hospital so watch this space!" 

Eloise Huddleston, director of East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity which supports Lister Hospital, said: "We have a fantastic neonatal team at Lister. They go out of their way to ensure babies receive the very best care and that their parents feel reassured and supported. 

"Unfortunately, the bedrooms available to parents are now looking very tired and in desperate need of a makeover. We want to make these rooms welcoming and comfortable for families who are often anxious about their little babies." 

"We hope our wonderful local community will get behind the appeal to refurbish the rooms. It will make such a difference to so many families.