‘New unit helped my baby through ups and down'

Chloe (left) gave birth to Willis when she was seven months pregnant

A mother who went into labour at 28 weeks has praised the newly opened £10m special baby care unit where she gave birth.

Chloe, 31, from Southampton, said the unit at the Princess Anne Hospital would "make such a big difference to families like us".

It cared for her son, Willis, who she said had been on "quite a journey through the neonatal unit" but was now doing well.

"We've had a few ups and downs but the staff here have been nothing short of amazing," said Chloe.

The ward welcomed its first patients on 25 November

The University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust opened the new baby care unit, known as Woodlands Ward, on 25 November.

Located in the Princess Anne - a maternity unit that is part of the trust - it is designed to care for babies born at greater than 32 weeks gestation and weighing at least 1.5kg, serving as a step down from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The expansion has increased the total neonatal service capacity by five, and also means parents can stay overnight in one of the four family integrated care rooms.

The expansion means families can stay in the hospital with their babies

Chloe said: "It was obviously a very worrying time not knowing what the outcome would be for Willis."

She continued: "We were so happy when he 'graduated' to the special care ward, as we knew that was a sign he was getting better and closer to coming home."

She said the Woodlands Ward was "a lovely space" with a "a very calming and peaceful atmosphere, and although it is clinical, it feels homely enough to help you feel more relaxed".

Willis is now 70 days old, can maintain his own body temperature and be nursed in a cot.

"[He] is now doing really well," said Chloe.

"We feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful hospital on our doorstep with the most amazing and dedicated staff to help see you through difficult times."