New improved neonatal unit is 'much needed'

Sunderland AFC's Luke O'Nien opened the revamped neonatal unit

A new and improved neonatal unit will improve the experiences of babies and parents, a hospital has said.

Sunderland Royal Hospital spent £1m in charitable donations revamping its neonatal unit and providing new accommodation for parents to stay with their child.

Sunderland AFC player Luke O'Nien opened the unit at the hospital where both his children were born.

He said the hospital team gave families a "really good start to life".

During his visit he met new parents Terri and Dalton Hodgen, whose son Jax was born prematurely.

"Seeing him smile, seeing the baby happy and healthy is the most important thing and it’s down to these guys [in the unit] and the wonderful service they provide here - how homely they’ve made it," O'Nien said.

Terri and Dalton Hodgen's baby boy was born prematurely

Mr Hodgen said the care provided at the unit was impressive.

"You couldn't ask for anything more," he said.

"We’re going home on a night and through an app we're having pictures sent of when he’s being fed, when he's waking up, when he’s going to sleep.

"It’s just a bit of reassurance knowing that it's okay when we can't be here."

Dr Shaz Wahid, executive medical director at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said the improved facility was "much needed".

"One baby in 10 in the UK needs additional medical care in the newborn period and one in a 100 requires intensive care," Dr Wahid said.

Seventeen babies at a time can be looked after in the revamped unit.

The accommodation unit will give families space to be together with bedrooms alongside the rooms where their babies are being cared for, as well as a quiet room and a nursing room.