We believe that hospital spaces should support the needs of every person who walks through our doors – especially parents and carers who are often navigating some of the most emotional and exhausting moments of their lives.
That’s why we’re working to create a more parent-friendly hospital, ensuring that families have the right spaces, equipment, and support throughout their stay. Whether it’s a quiet space to express milk, a comfortable waiting area, or essential items to care for their children, we’re committed to making hospital life feel a little more manageable.
Here are some of the ways we’re making our spaces more parent-friendly:
Introducing lactation pods
Parents have the right to feed their babies however, and wherever, they choose. But every parent is different, and for some, a private space to feed or express is essential.
Mothers returning to work at the hospital, and parents visiting babies in neonatal care, often have no suitable space to express milk. With your support, we’re installing purpose-built lactation pods across hospital sites. These private, hygienic units provide a safe, welcoming environment for feeding and expressing.
Renovating spaces for families
Many parent and family areas across our hospitals are outdated and in urgent need of improvement. We’re funding refurbishments to create calm spaces where families can spend time together to rest, recharge, or support their child in comfort.
These aren’t just cosmetic upgrades; thoughtfully designed environments can ease stress and offer privacy when families need it most.
Providing innovative kit and equipment
Alongside improving spaces, we also fund the added extras that make hospital stays feel more manageable for parents, carers, and families. These are the items that go beyond clinical care.
From reclining chairs that allow a parent to rest beside their child, to small items that support recovery or wellbeing, your donations help provide the things that make a real difference to the hospital experience.
Your support in action
Keeping families connected with vCreate
For parents, being apart from their newborns and children can be incredibly distressing. That’s why with your support, we have funded vCreate in our NICU and PHDU departments.
vCreate is a secure video and picture messaging service that bridges the gap between hospital and home, allowing clinical staff to send personalised updates to parents This service helps them stay connected and reassured even when they can’t be at their child’s bedside. It makes communication accessible and meaningful for all families, allowing them to check in or continue to build that all important bond with their baby.
“Having the ability to check for photos and videos to see how my little one is doing has been great. It has been such a comfort to see how she is doing.”
Parent feedback of vCreate
Every improvement we fund in this area is about making life in hospital that bit easier for parents, carers, and families. With your support, we can continue to create spaces and provide equipment that brings comfort to families when it matters most.