3D tour of neonatal unit to help prepare parents

Deputy ward sister Lucy Fairbrass demonstrates the virtual tour

A hospital is offering parents a virtual tour of its neonatal unit to show them what to expect if their baby needs care.

The 3D tour of the department at Poole Hospital, in Dorset, shows the layout of the ward and the names of the medical equipment.

Families can view the simulation on the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust website.

It is intended to help parents visualise where their child will be cared for and reduce uncertainty.

The virtual tour includes tags which identify machines on the ward

The neonatal unit (NNU) cares for babies requiring special care, such as illness at delivery and health problems during the baby’s stay in hospital.

Situated on the first floor of the maternity unit on St Mary's Road, the ward has 20 cots.

Lucy Fairbrass, the NNU's deputy sister, said: “Within the tour they will see the layout of the unit and can hear typical sounds of the clinical environment."

Users can click on informational tags which explain what certain machines are used for.

Other tags identify areas and facilities families might access frequently, like the reception desk and coffee room.

Ms Fairbrass said she hoped knowing what to expect would increase families' wellbeing.