Neonatal unit receives Gold Baby Charter
Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has been awarded a prestigious Gold Baby Charter Accreditation.
The baby charity Bliss announced that our NICU has successfully completed its accreditation and shown that we have sufficient processes and facilities in place to deliver high-quality family-centred care.
The assessment was carried out at NNUH on 3 August 2022 by Bliss Baby Charter Programme Lead Holly Sullivan and Volunteer Assessors Lynne Wainwright and Jonny Pearson.
The assessment team said: “The culture of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital neonatal unit is clearly family-centred, with a team culture that prioritises families and their involvement in their baby’s care. Parents on the unit spoke of an amazing, compassionate and dedicated team, and how the support of the staff enabled parents to build their confidence.”
“The unit psychologist offers extensive support for families and does so in a variety of ways while trying to remove any barriers to families accessing his support. Additionally, there is a great collaboration between the outreach team and the family support team, which assists with a smooth transition from unit to home. Resources and displays used around the unit enable families to access information and support in a way that is suitable for them. There is also a range of accommodations both on and off the unit enabling families to stay as close as possible to their babies.”
Kate McColl, Family Care Sister and Baby Charter Lead at the unit, said, “Being awarded our Gold Baby Charter Award means so much to myself and the entire team. It brings to the forefront all the amazing work the NICU team does to ensure the baby and family are at the centre of all we do.
“Family-centred care is embedded within our unit through the tireless work from all staff members – from our housekeepers, allied health professionals, through to our nurses and doctors – every single person has taken a role in our Baby Charter journey.
“It has taken us four years to get to our Gold Award due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ensuring family-centred care during our assessment period was a challenge but due to the passion and commitment, our team has for the best outcomes for our families we were able to achieve our award. We look forward to continuing our accredited journey.”