Plans lodged for new neonatal unit The Countess Charity have spoken of their delight after plans for a new neonatal unit were lodged with the council as a result of The Babygrow Appeal. Lesley Woodhead, Head of Fundraising, described the enormous pride she felt after almost five years of hard work by her team and the people of Chester made it possible. Backed by its media partner The Standard, The Babygrow Appeal raised a whopping £2.4 million from its launch in 2013. The money will pay for a new extended unit that, once complete, will be more than twice the size of the current one. Subject to approval by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee, it is hoped that work will begin on the facility in October with a grand opening pencilled in for September 2019. “The whole team feel immensely proud,” said Lesley. She added: “We have had so much support from individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and the community across Chester we are really grateful and could not have done it without you. “Special thanks go to The Standard for all the coverage and help. This has had a major impact on the appeal.” Major events in the city that have helped raise cash for the appeal include the Santa Dash, Duck Race, and MBNA Chester Marathon.
“We have had so much support from individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and the community… we could not have done it without you.”
The existing neonatal unit was built in 1974 and its design has become out-dated. The new building will not only be packed with state-of-the-art, life-saving technology, it will also focus on providing space, privacy and as much comfort as possible for the tots and their families.
The unit will be built on wasteland behind the existing building, which will remain open and fullyfunctioning while construction work is carried out.
When complete it will have its own entrance with a secure foyer for parents and relatives to access, with not only increased capacity to care for newborn babies but also additional facilities such as a shower room for parents to use. “The main thing is that there is much more
room for each baby,” said Lesley. “We think this is the first unit that has been designed for integrated family care. “Back in the Eighties mum and dad would have been looking through the window and watching, but now they will be right next to their baby, involved in the care as a team with the staff.” There will also be two bedrooms where families can stay before they take their baby home for the first time. “Overall this has been a long time coming and is the product of a lot of research and visits of other units across the country,” Lesley said. “We can’t wait to see it open!” She added: “We are still fundraising for the drop down beds for the parents to sleep on and for the furniture. Anyone who can help is asked to call the fundraising office on 01244 366240. Thank you.”
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