Ormskirk hospital Neonatal Unit took part in the first national Neonatal Mental Health Awareness Week. Running from 15th to 21st April, it aimed to raise awareness, share best practice and inspire change.

Karen Wareing, Neonatal Ward Manager, said awareness was growing about the lasting impacts on families who have had a baby in a neonatal unit.

“But it’s also important to acknowledge that it’s not only the families who are affected. The work required on having babies and families a neonatal unit also has an impact on the teams caring for them. We need to support the immediate and longer term impacts on the mental health and emotional well-being for families and the people who work with them.”

The week was filled with daily activities including  goody bags for mums and dads, a coffee and chat afternoon, activities for siblings and visits from therapists at the Beauty Barn in Ormskirk and Lavender Cove in Burscough who gave hand, arm and feet massages to families and staff.

The therapists have volunteered to come back once a month to provide massages for families and staff and the coffee and chat will continue as part of the unit’s programme to support families. The “peaceful room” will also be available for families and staff to provide a relaxing space for “time out” moments.

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