UHNM neonatal outreach service provides care for 200th family

A neonatal community outreach service at University Hospitals of North Midlands which allows premature babies to go home earlier than usual has provided care to its 200^th family.

The Neonatal Community Outreach Team (NCOT), at Royal Stoke University Hospital supports families and babies in the community who require additional care and support such as specialist feeding support, home oxygen and home phototherapy.

The team have now provided cared for their 200^th family since the service first started. Baby Oliver Mountford, was born 22 April weighing just 5lb and received care on the neonatal unit, with suspected sepsi and jaundice. After being born four weeks early and staying for one week on the unit, Oliver was discharged and put under the care of the outreach team.

Today, Oliver’s Mum, Megan Mountford, 24, from Middleport praised the outreach team for its care, she said: “The outreach team were lovely to us. I had met one of the ladies while I was in hospital which was nice. On each visit they were really helpful and understanding.

“The ladies weighed Oliver, did all his measurements and also checked me too.”

Babies are under the care of NCOT for up to six to eight weeks but will only be discharged when the team is confident there are no ongoing concerns. Should they feel further specialist support is required, NCOT will make a referral to the appropriate community children’s nursing team.

Oliver is now doing great and thriving. Megan added: “He is doing great, he is putting on weight and really growing, he will be eight weeks on Saturday, it’s amazing.”

Senior Sister Sarah Roberts for NCOT said: “We are so proud to be able to offer the outreach team to families so they are able to go home knowing there is continuing care for them every step of the way. We are delighted to have provided care for our 200^th family. It’s a fantastic milestone and achievement for everyone involved in the service.

“We hope this service will continue to enhance families’ experience on their neonatal journey.”