Public support needed to secure new neonatal equipment for Leicester’s hospitals

Neonatal Nurse, Dr Katie Gallagher, is hoping to secure thousands of pounds towards new sensory equipment for babies born critically unwell or preterm in Leicester’s hospitals with the public’s help.

Dr Gallagher, The University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust’s (UHL) Clinical Associate Professor in Neonatal Nursing, has applied for £25,000 from charity, Lifelites, which provides sensory technology to children with complex or life-limiting conditions. 

She is hoping to secure equipment which will help parents to bond with their baby during extremely challenging times. This includes a multisensory unit, with bubble tube lights and calming sounds, and sensory pods and mats, which can also be used with older siblings to bond with their new brother or sister. 

In addition, iPads and headphones will support wider family members who may not otherwise get an opportunity to meet the baby if they are receiving end-of-life care, to enable them to see, talk, and connect with them in Leicester General Hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Katie’s application to the charity is now through to the final stages but she needs the public’s support to vote as only the top three project applications voted for by the public will be funded.

She explained: “The equipment would support families to bond with their babies in what can be an extremely challenging environment. This is particularly important for families whose baby is receiving end of life care. It would also facilitate the use of language line, which provides real time translators in NHS settings for those whose first language is not English, allowing all families to be fully involved with their baby’s care.

“We’re through to the final stage of the application, which is a public vote. Information about the project will be shared on the Lifelites website, and we need as many votes as possible as only the top three of 12 projects will be funded.

“I hope that the public will really get behind this and get voting, as well as encouraging their friends and family to do the same. It only takes a few seconds to vote but that could really make a difference to the families that we see day in and day out in Leicester’s neonatal care." 

Professor Tilly Pillay, Head of Neonatal Services at University Hospitals of Leicester, added: “We care for the smallest and sickest babies in the region, some of whom stay in hospital for lengthy periods of time. This funding will provide much needed, valuable equipment that will enhance the baby, family, and parent experience for those in our care. We hope everyone will get behind this and vote for our Neonatal Services submission.”

Around 1,500 babies are admitted each year at UHL, among them are those receiving complex or end-of-life care, where family time is especially precious.