The Neonatal Unit (NNU) at St George’s cares for over 500 new-born babies each year (up to 30 at any one time) in the intensive, high dependency and special care nurseries at the hospital, which is based in Tooting, South West London.

Where are these babies from? Whilst many of the babies on the unit are born to families living locally, others come from across the South East of England. This is because St George’s NNU is a ‘regional centre of excellence’ which means that we also care for babies born at other hospitals which unfortunately cannot provide the level of expertise and equipment needed to ensure the best possible treatment. Sometimes these babies are born at St George’s, when it is known in advance that they may need special care, whilst other babies are transferred from their local hospital by travelling incubator.

Why do they need to receive treatment? Many of the babies we care for have simply been born prematurely. Some mothers have only just reached 24 weeks of pregnancy (40 weeks is generally considered normal). However, with the right care, these babies can grown up to be healthy, happy children and we are proud to have many families amongst our supporters whose children were born at this very early age. Other babies are born at or near full-term, but need treatment for an illness or breathing difficulties or may need an operation, often for a problem identified during a pregnancy scan.

How many make it home? Although it can be incredibly stressful and traumatic for families when a baby is critically ill, thanks to progress in medical science and the incredible fighting spirit of even our tiniest babies, most of the children we care for do survive to go home and lead full lives, bringing their families great joy. The survival rate for babies born at 28 weeks or after, cared for at St George’s, is over 90%. The unit is therefore a very positive place, the walls lined with photo stories of babies cared for on the unit now home and well. However, we never forget those babies who don’t make as they are just as important. Families can still spend very precious days, weeks or months with their baby on the unit, even though they tragically do not make it home.

THE CHARITY

When and why were you set up?: We became a registered charity (Number 1072500) in 1998, with the aim of directly supporting the NNU at St Georges in terms of our special patients, their families and staff.

How are you run? We are a separate entity to St George’s, although we have close relationships with the other charities supporting the Hospital. Our Management and Fundraising Committee are made up of NNU staff and parents who have had a child on the unit. Several Committee members are also Trustees. As a result, we hope that money raised is spent to greatest effect and in the areas where it is most urgently needed. As Charity Co-ordinator, Sarah Collins also works for the charity 1 – 2 days per week, overseeing fundraising, general administration and managing the projects which we fund.