HOSPITAL OF HOPE
We go inside leading UK neonatal unit as miracle workers save premature babies
babi e s at 23 weeks when a decade ago we wouldn’t have considered rescuing a child so young. And we are not just saving them, some are leaving here unscathed.”
Just five per cent of premature babies are born before 28 weeks. At 27 weeks, like Kayden, 89 per cent survive. Medics at Southampton are also caring for the daughter of a newly-appointed colleague.
Abhijit Bhattacharaya, 34, had been working on the unit for just a week when his wife Himakshi, also 34, went into labour at 39 weeks. Abhijit said: “I knew things were not good when my boss from neo- natal intensive care came into the theatre.
“Our daughter Neysha was not breathing and they took her away and worked on her for 15 minutes before she started breathing. We are so, so grateful for their expertise.” As Abhijit spoke his wife gently cradled Neysha’s hand.
And just a few feet away lay another premature baby – tiny Sarah George, born at 24 weeks to parents Basil, 35, and Simi, 34. Doctors are using steroids and oxygen to help her lungs develop.
The 37-cot unit is a centre of expertise when it comes to paediatric heart and neuro surgery.
Consultants will even operate on the tots in their cot if they are too fragile to be moved.
Like NHS staff nationwide, the team here is dedicated to its work.
And that gives the likes of Kayden, Neysha and Sarah the very best of chances.
Find out how you can support the work of Southampton’s Children’s Hospital by visiting schcharity.org.uk
They worked on our baby 15 minutes before she started breathing
DAD ABHIJIT THANKING HIS HOSPITAL COLLEAGUES