Opening of £32 Million Neonatal Unit in Nottingham

The Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham has opened a new £32 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the largest in the East Midlands, expanding from 500 sq m to 2,000 sq m and increasing the number of cots for premature babies from 17 to 38. Designed to enhance comfort for families, the new unit includes features like larger cot bays, glass screening for privacy, family accommodation, and a dedicated bereavement suite. This initiative is part of efforts to improve maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, which is currently under a significant inquiry. Parents like Amy and Will Wood, who experienced the former cramped conditions, praised the new facilities for their spaciousness and comfort, emphasizing the importance of privacy during challenging times. NUH's Chief Executive, Anthony May, noted that the redesign has been nearly two decades in the making, aiming to set a new standard for neonatal care across the UK. The unit is expected to gradually open more cots in the New Year as staffing levels allow.