World Prematurity Day 2024 at Bedfordshire Hospitals
18 November is World Prematurity Day, a day which brings attention to the significant impact of premature birth, affecting 1 in 10 babies worldwide.
This year, we’ll be sharing the stories of some our wonderful colleagues within the Neonatal service and our lovely babies we’ve cared for at Bedfordshire Hospitals.
Take a look below and read the stories of everyone involved!
We’ll also be sharing a number of these stories over on our social media channels…
Our babies
Baby Christabel
Baby Christabel was born at 32+4 weeks in May 2024, weighing 3lbs and 2.5 ounces, after mum Megan developed pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome at 30 weeks pregnant.
The team on Meadowbank looked after the family for 22 days after she was born.
Christabel is now an absolutely thriving 5 month old and a very healthy 13lbs.
Megan said “She wouldn’t be here without the amazing team that looked after her and we will forever be thankful to all of them.”
Twin boys Jacob and Archie
Mum Molly gave birth to twin boys Jacob and Archie at 28 weeks on the bathroom floor of their family home!
Jacob arrived first weighing 2lb 2oz and Archie arrived at just 1lb 1oz. Archie was delivered within his sac and wasn’t breathing when arrived. After starting CPR a huge team of paramedics and air ambulance crew burst in to take over the life saving efforts from the parents.
Both boys were given a very small percentage of survival, Jacob 10% and Archie a 1% chance. After both boys being rushed to the L&D, the boys were put under their impeccable care.
Mum Molly said “Jacob spent a total of 9 weeks within Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and Archie a total of 16 weeks in NICU, High Dependency Unit (HDU) and SCBU. Without the L&D and the incredible staff who were involved in the boys care, they wouldn’t be here today.
“Both boys are due to be turning 2 in a couple of months and are doing amazing. Jacob is causing mischief and loving every minute of life. Archie has recently been diagnosed with temple syndrome and has had a PEG-J feeding tube fitted however this doesn’t stop my boy in anyway. They are still the most happy and smiley children.”
Baby Arabella
Baby Arabella was born at Bedford Hospital two weeks overdue by emergency C-Section.
Mum Anastasia said “It was a scary experience when our little girl was taken away straight after birth because she couldn’t breathe and had ingested Meconium into her lungs.
“Whilst I was on the recovery ward and separate from Arabella during her first few days the staff were so reassuring and I knew she was receiving excellent care. During the month we lived in at the hospital we got to know the staff and saw first-hand the expert care they gave. They not only gave medical assistance to Arabella but also gave us, as parents, emotional support alongside guidance on day to day parenting – going over and above to help us as first time parents.
“We rang the bell and left Meadowbank a month later with Arabella on oxygen and will be forever grateful to the team at Bedford Hospital.”
Baby Bonnie and baby Reggie
Baby Bonnie and baby Reggie were born earlier this year at Bedford Hospital.
They arrived at 31+2 weeks via emergency c-section and were quickly taken into the expert care of the Nurses and Doctors on Meadowbank.
Mum Rosie said “The team was so good with us, taking two very shocked and bewildered parents under their wings, alongside our babies. The next day we were transferred to Addenbrokes Hospital and staff at this point were great at providing reassurance and support. We spent 10 days there, before being transferred back to Bedford.
“Back at Bedford, it was lovely to see familiar faces again. The staff were fantastic with us all, supporting us in how to care for our little babies, as we gradually took on more responsibilities in their care. Staff advocated for us to get the care and support we all needed and deserved. They also provided a great listening ear and hugs when needed. Although we’re so relieved to be at home after 45 days in total, part of me does miss our time on Meadowbank, and enjoy going to say hello to everyone whenever we have a hospital appointment.”
Matilda
Matilda was born at 26+5 weeks gestation, weighing 480g after mum Laura developed severe pre-eclampsia at 24weeks pregnant.
She said “When Matilda was born she let us know she was here with a big cry which is a sound neither my husband nor I will ever forget. We got to give Matilda a birthday kiss before she was whisked off in her plastic bag to NICU.
“Matilda spent a total of 105 days in NICU, with a trip to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). She came home just before Christmas on oxygen, and over the next couple of months was gradually weaned off this support under the care of our wonderful community nurse, Mandy.
“Matilda is now a healthy, thriving 2 year old who loves life. We will never forget our time in NICU, although it was a rollercoaster, our little girl wouldn’t be here without the care and expertise of the staff. We will forever be grateful for the gift you have given us as a family.”
Reon and Eris
Reon and Eris were born at just 28 weeks.
They spent 82 days in the Luton NICU, receiving the best medical attention from the team.
Mum Tanis said “We are beyond grateful to everyone for their support, guidance and care over the last two years.
“Our boys are happy and thriving thanks to you all, from where it started to now chasing the boys scooting in opposite directions – we still pinch ourselves as we feel so lucky.”
Baby Rowan and baby Ezra
Baby Rowan is an identical twin.
Baby Rowan and baby Ezra were born at 27 weeks and 4 days gestation at the L&D.
It was a difficult pregnancy, and at 17 weeks pregnant, mum Jessica required laser ablation surgery as there was a worry of potential complications on the boys due to Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and due to Ezra having Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction (SUIGR). It was thought that without the surgery both boys had a very low chance of survival, and the surgery would have given them both a fighting chance. Sadly by 18 weeks Ezra lost his heartbeat and at 19 weeks mum Jessica’s waters broke.
At 27 weeks, the boys were born by emergency c-section and the next part of Rowan’s fight for survival began.
Mum Jessica said “We spent 93 days in NICU and it was a really rocky journey. Rowan battled many complications and had a really difficult time with his breathing. However, we came home 5 days after due date, and by 8 weeks corrected Rowan was clear of all oxygen and medication.
“Rowan has just turned 1! He is the happiest little boy and is absolutely thriving. He is a miracle and we are forever grateful for the care he received from everyone in the NICU. He really is a little blessing and we have the team around him to thank for this.”
Baby Jude
Baby Jude was cared for at both the L&D and Bedford Hospital, following his birth at 32 weeks due to mum Hollys escalating pre-eclampsia.
Jude weighed just 2lb9oz and was significantly smaller than what a 32 weeker should be. He was ventilated after a rocky few hours after delivery as he was struggling to breathe.
They spent sixty three long days in NICU – two weeks at the L&D and two months at Bedford Hospital.
Mum Holly said “The neonatal journey is a true rollercoaster and you have to take it day by day. The incredible staff however really helped us get through it. I don’t know where both of us would be today without the incredible expertise and kindness of the staff that looked after us both.
“Unfortunately three weeks after we were discharged, Jude caught Strep B which led to late onset sepsis and he was extremely poorly. We spent a further week on the Paediatric Unit before finally getting back home and establishing a routine. Jude is now doing extremely well and is a very happy and laid back little boy, despite the severe reflux which we are learning to manage. He absolutely loves his pet dog and being around his grandparents. He really is a smiley happy little boy and we will be forever grateful for the support we received from both units, as without them it’s not worth thinking where both Jude and I would be.”
Our staff
Afolake Akintola
Meet Afolake Akintola!
Afolake is a Sister within NICU at Luton and has worked at the Trust for 3 years.
On why Sister Afolake chose a career in NICU she said “I enjoy developing professional relationships with parents and being part of the neonatal journey and caring for them when they’re preterm to watching them being discharged is very rewarding.
“Within my role, I stabilise babies requiring intensive care along with the multidisciplinary team in preparation for transfer to tertiary centre and provide high quality holistic care to babies whilst prioritising family-centered care.”
Jodie Hughes
Jodie Hughes is a Family Care Assistant on Meadowbank Ward.
Jodie said “I was a Neonatal Unit mummy myself and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. The days were dark sometimes but the support from staff was overwhelming. I just knew I wanted to be part of that team! So I joined the unit in 2019 and it really is my dream job!
“I try to help out wherever I can, replenish stock, ensure the parent facilities are well equipped, support families and my speciality is tea and toast!”
Dr Jogesh Kapadia
Dr Jogesh Kapadia is a Consultant in Neonatal Medicine but holds many other titles including NICU Lead for Risk & Governance, Chair of Clinical Guidelines Committee for Bedfordshire Hospitals and Paediatrics Training Programme Director for East of England.
Dr Kapadia has worked at the Trust for 12 years and chose to pursue a career in Neonatology because “I believed I had the skill to treat tiny babies, the empathy to support parents, and the passion to remain consistently involved in my work. Thankfully, I have never experienced Monday morning blues! So far!”
Dr Kapadia’s favourite thing about his job is “Savouring the moments when miracles happen to our tiny miracles! And the sense of fulfilment and gratification when they are able to go home!”
Leonora Burnell
Senior Sister Leonora Burnell has worked in the Neonatal service at the L&D for 22 years.
“Neonatal nursing is the first area of exposure since earning my license back home in the Philippines in 1991. Since then I cannot imagine myself working in another department. The passion, the confidence and competency is now inherent in me. I can most definitely and honestly say I love coming to work every day because I love what I do.
Upon describing her daily responsibilities, Senior Sister Leonora said: “My daily responsibilities includes bedside care and shift leading. With bedside care, we get to support our young patients and the goal is to try and make a difference to their care, even if this is just a tiny one. This creates a very positive impact on the parents, to alleviate the day-to-day stress and anxiety they feel. With shift leading, the goal is to run the unit as smoothly as possible which includes liaising with Doctors, other colleagues and parents and also manage staffing including sickness and sorting out bedside allocation according to skill mix.”
Tracey Ebbage
This is Senior Sister and Quality Improvement (QI) Lead, Tracey Ebbage, who has worked at Bedfordshire Hospitals for 28 years!
Senior Sister Tracey said “My daughter was born at 33 weeks (in another hospital) two years before I started working within Neonatology. My experience gave me valuable insight therefore I decided to apply.
“One of my favourite parts about this role is seeing families bond and preparing them for the journey home, happy.
“I am also a Newborn Life Support (NLS) Instructor and Course Director so I am involved with ensuring that all Nursing staff are up to date with resuscitation. I also teach resuscitation to Doctors on their induction.”
Annmaria Sebastian
Annmaria Sebastian is a Staff Nurse in NICU at the L&D!
Annmaria chose this career because “It gives an opportunity to look after babies who require care and support parents and families during their stressful time.”
Annmaria’s favourite things about her role is cuddling babies and offering comfort to them when they are unsettled as well as seeing the happy faces of the parents when babies are discharged from the unit.
Anne, Sam and Kelly, Community Team
Anne, Sam and Kelly work in the Neonatal Community Team at Luton and between them, they have worked 55 years at Bedfordshire Hospitals.
They said “We are incredibly lucky to be able to work with families seeing them comfortable in their own surroundings at home following their baby being discharged from hospital. Our main role is to help families ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home often following an extended time in the neonatal unit. We provide them with the support they need as they settle in at home helping them gain confidence in caring for their baby without the doctors and nurses they have been used to during their time in the unit.
“By offering families this reassurance and support we help to prevent bounce back readmissions which would be to the children’s ward, thus keeping the family safely together at home. During this time we build close working relationships with our families, they trust our advice and often seek it long after we have discharged the baby from our service.”
Jan Ambrose
Jan Ambrose is a Ward Clerk in Meadowbank.
“My job role as first point of contact is to welcome all new parents and visitors to the ward. I love being helpful to everyone, dealing with queries and also helping new starters get set up on the systems.
“I support with all the administrative duties for the ward; clerking all new arrivals and stickers, making sure all the appropriate paperwork is in the trolley and replenished accordingly; set up all baby blood test appointments and much more!
“I enjoy the interaction I have with everyone on the ward especially the parents. It’s important to help them adjust to what must be a stressful time as all parents want to go home once baby arrives but unfortunately some babies need extra care before that happens.”
Adele Faller
Although based at Luton, Adele Faller, Specialist Emotional Support Psychotherapist for Neonatal Unit supports families across both of our hospital sites.
Adele’s daily responsibilities include “…making contact with the families as soon as feasible once their baby is admitted to NICU, assess what level of support may be needed and then provide support accordingly.
Adele continued “I also support families as much as possible during the duration of their baby’s admittance and follow up with families after discharge, since it is often at this point that families will struggle to process their NICU journey. Additionally, my role is to support staff and encourage them make sense of the feelings and emotions that emerge, particularly following difficult events on NICU.”
Kiran Kalra
Kiran Kalra is a Specialist Neonatal Occupational Therapist.
“I have been a Children’s and Neonatal Occupational Therapist for over 20 years and am passionate about supporting children as early as possible to prevent longer term difficulties, and there is no earlier time to start then in neonates. I have 3 children of my own, so I know how important it is that parents are encouraged and supported to take care of their babies and understand their behaviours, and ultimately their wants and needs.
“I feel so privileged to be able to hold little hands every day, and support positive relationships and attachment between infant and parents. I am lucky to say I love my job!”
