Medway Maritime Hospital’s iconic clock tower shone purple this week to mark World Prematurity Day (Tuesday 17 November 2020), raising awareness of premature birth and the impact it can have on families.
Approximately 60,000 babies are born prematurely in the UK every year. This means that one in every 13 babies born in the UK will be born premature (before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five.
James Devine, Chief Executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We fully recognise the significant impact premature birth can have on families and it’s important that this day is commemorated. I am delighted to see Medway’s clock tower lit purple to mark this very important awareness day. I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this happen.”
Also on World Prematurity Day, the Kent Neonatal Transport Team, based at the hospital site, was proud to unveil its new, state of the art transport rig, used to provide neonatal care during transport for babies who are born too early or who are acutely sick and need specialist surgical centres. The bespoke unit is equipped with many modifications, including a high specification ventilator which provides a wider range of respiratory support, and advanced neonatal care.
Dr Ghada Ramadan, Speciality Lead Neonatal Services at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our neonatal transport team provides excellent care to babies and these updates bring us closer to achieving the ultimate goal of replicating the facilities used on the neonatal intensive care unit during transportation.
“We know that it can be extremely worrying for parents and families when their premature baby is being cared for en route to, and in hospital. We are proud that the introduction of this innovative unit will improve the brilliant care that we are already able to offer.”
Background
In 2018, Medway Trust became the first NHS Trust in England to sign up to the Smallest Things ‘Employer with Heart’ Charter, pledging its commitment to support the needs of premature babies and their families.
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