Construction works continue on new Neonatal Unit at Queen’s Medical Centre
Newly released photos from Nottingham University Hospitals show the progress of the construction work on the expanded Neonatal Unit at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), which is set to open in December 2024.
The project will see the original unit almost quadruple in size to 2,000m2 and increase the number of intensive, high dependency and special care cots at QMC from 17 to 38, as well as improve the experience for both our families and our staff working in neonates.
The latest photos show the internal walls are all constructed, and the structural work to support the unit’s new and increased medical equipment and ceilings is being installed. Completion of electrical and plumbing works is also now underway. Glass screens between each cot will be installed in September.
Jenni Twinn, Director of the Maternity and Neonatal Programme, said: “Our construction is moving at pace and it is exciting to see the new unit taking shape.
“Now that the internal walls are all in place we are getting a feel for what the facility will look like. This is going to really benefit our families and staff as it will provide more space and privacy for families on the unit and will create a better working environment for our staff. We have really focused on the families, their experience and how it feels for our staff to work in a high pressured, yet rewarding, clinical area.
“The construction of the unit is on track and we look forward to opening the unit and welcoming babies and their families in December.”
Once completed the new unit will provide a whole host of benefits to both staff and families including acoustic underlay to help minimise noise, and glass screens which will provide dignity as well as an additional acoustic barrier between the cot bays. The screens will also be retractable and will enable families with more than one baby to have a larger space all together on the unit. There is a larger staff room to support staff wellbeing, and accommodate our increasing numbers of staff in line with the expansion of the service.
Additionally, ceiling mounted medical pendants will be installed in line with best practice to ensure all medical equipment is co-located and off the floor to help support infection control measures. Parents and carers will have utility recliners and visitor chairs alongside every cot, even whilst observations are being undertaken by the medical team.
Following relocation to the new, expanded unit at QMC, the Neonatal Unit at City Hospital will be redesignated as a ‘Local Neonatal Unit’, where babies will be able to continue to receive high dependency and specialist care for up to 48 hours, before being transferred to the QMC for longer term care, when needed.
To help fund several enhancements for the new unit the Nottingham Hospitals Charity has launched its Big Appeal, which aims to raise £1.5million over the next three years. The donations will provide specialist training and education areas, equipment and aesthetic improvements to make the whole environment, and particularly the family areas and parent accommodation, as welcoming and calming as possible.
People across the East Midlands can support the Big Appeal by making a donation, taking part in one of Nottingham Hospitals Charity’s fundraising events, holding their own event, or pledging a gift in their will. To find out more about the Big Appeal or to make a donation, please visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk/bigappeal.