New neonatal and maternity facilities open at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital
The state-of-the-art units also include bereavement facilities and gardens for parents
New neonatal and maternity facilities have officially opened at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, housed in the newly built Cedar Wing and Oak Wing.
The development includes a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and various maternity services, aiming to provide enhanced care for families and better facilities for staff in Bedfordshire and the surrounding area.
The new Oak Wing hosts maternity services across three floors, with two 20 bed wards and a separate neonatal unit.
There are also new outdoor areas, including a tranquillity garden for pregnant women and a staff garden.
The enhanced NICU, situated on the second floor of Cedar Wing, includes transitional care, dedicated milk expressing rooms, parent rooming-in facilities, and a bereavement suite.
NICU parents can also access an outdoor balcony on the first floor.
The Cedar Wing also has a vast birthing area and four birthing pools, as well as the Snowdrop bereavement suite and garden.
Tracey Scivier, Redevelopment Lead Midwife, said: “I’ve had the privilege of supporting the development of the new clinical buildings from a maternity perspective over the past two years and I’m delighted to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition.
“For many of the team, it’s been years of waiting to see our maternity services move into a modern environment with the very best facilities and they are excited to continue providing expert care to our service users within this state of the art building.”
Dr Jennifer Birch, Neonatal Consultant and Clinical Director, described the NICU as: “A modern, spacious and purpose-built environment equipped with the latest technology and equipment alongside enhanced facilities for our families.
“It will support our staff in continuing to provide expert care for sick and premature babies in our local area and those from around our region who require specialist neonatal intensive care. It’s been a momentous effort from everyone involved and we are delighted to be in our new home.”
Liz Lees, Chief Nurse, added: “Our wonderful teams have put in their all over the past few years into creating a state of the art building which will enable expert care to be provided in a modern environment.
“I’m so proud to witness these new facilities come to life, knowing they will greatly benefit our staff and the community we serve.”