A Southampton hospital has gained a new £10m facility that offers specialist care for some of the region's sickest babies.
The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Princess Anne Hospital has increased the neonatal service's capacity by five and also allows parents to stay overnight with their babies in comfortable surroundings.
The unit was previously located in one room within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
It now has its own dedicated space on the floor above, with 12 cot spaces across three rooms as well as four family integrated care (FIC) rooms.
The state-of-the-art unit, which aims to care for babies born at greater than 32 weeks gestation and weighing at least 1.5kg, serves as a step down from the NICU.
It can also treat babies born extremely prematurely, from 22 weeks gestation, and those admitted directly from maternity services.
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One of the infants who has already benefitted from the new facility is Willis Wilton, who was born at 28 weeks after his mother, Chloe Dawkins, 31, of Southampton, went into spontaneous labour.
When he was admitted to the NICU he required respiratory support, which was gradually withdrawn as his condition improved.
Chloe said: "It was a bit of a shock when I went into labour so early, and it was obviously a very worrying time not knowing what the outcome would be for Willis.
"We’ve had a few ups and downs, but the staff here have been nothing short of amazing, both in the care they provide and the support they give to families like us.
“Willis has been on quite a journey through the neonatal unit but is now doing really well. We were so happy when he 'graduated' to the special care ward as we knew that was a sign he was getting better.
“The new ward is such a lovely space and has a real home-from-home feel about it.
"That will make such a big difference to families like us. It has a very calming and peaceful atmosphere and, although it is clinical, it feels homely enough to help you feel more relaxed.
"We feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful hospital on our doorstep with the most amazing and dedicated staff."
Amanda Gorse, senior sister at the new SCBU, added: "This new unit is going to be transformative for our neonatal service.
"Not only does it look lovely but it also provides families with an environment that empowers them to be an integral part of their baby's care."
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