Construction starts on new neonatal care home for families in Bradford
Facility at BRI will offer support to families with babies in neonatal intensive care
Construction has begun on a new facility at Bradford Royal Infirmary aimed at supporting families with premature or ill babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
The project is a collaborative effort between The Sick Children’s Trust and Bradford Hospitals Charity.
The ‘Home from Home’, located near the neonatal ward, will offer five en-suite bedrooms, along with shared living spaces, kitchen, and laundry facilities.
It aims to provide a free place for families to stay while their baby receives specialised care, ensuring they can remain close by during difficult times.
West End legend - original Phantom of the Opera star - Michael Crawford CBE, President of The Sick Children’s Trust since 1987, attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside hospital staff and supporters.
The initiative has received substantial contributions, including £1 million from The Harry and Mary Foundation, towards its £3 million target.
The new care home is set to support over 500 families annually and will be The Sick Children’s Trust's fourth facility in Yorkshire.
Existing homes have supported more than 25,500 families across the region since 1993.
Michael Crawford said, "It is incredibly moving and hugely exciting to be here today as we officially break ground on this wonderful new ‘Home from Home’ in Bradford. For families with seriously ill and premature babies, being able to stay close to their child during treatment makes a world of difference.
"This project is only possible thanks to the remarkable partnership between The Sick Children’s Trust and Bradford Hospitals Charity, alongside the incredible generosity of supporters and funders who understand just how important it is to keep families together. To see it opening in what will be my 40th year as President of The Sick Children’s Trust makes this milestone even more special.”
Laura Riach, Charity Director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for Bradford and for the hundreds of families who will benefit from this incredible home in the years to come. We are proud to be working alongside The Sick Children’s Trust to create a welcoming and supportive place where families can stay close to their baby during neonatal treatment.
“We know how important it is for parents to be near their child during long and unexpected hospital stays, and this new ‘Home from Home’ will make a lasting difference for families across Bradford, Yorkshire and beyond.”
Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said, "I,ve been involved in getting us to this point. This is much-needed for the people of Bradford and beyond who we serve, and I hope we can get our new, purpose-built home from home up and running as soon as possible so we can provide a warm, welcoming space for those that really do need it.
"I’d like to extend my sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed, both financially and in kind, as we’ve progressed to more than two-thirds of our fundraising target."
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