New baby unit opens at Walsall Manor Hospital

The Transitional Care Unit, suitable for newborns who don't require admission to a neonatal unit, was opened on Monday by councillor Kath Phillips, Mayor of Walsall.

Children who use the unit may have been born prematurely, had a low birth weight or may have a condition that affects their ability to maintain their temperature and feed adequately.

The new unit will allow mothers and their children to stay together while the the baby receives additional support.

Councillor Phillips said: "I am delighted to open the new unit for those babies who need some extra care before they can go home with mum.

"Those first few days are so precious for mum and baby to bond and keeping them together is so important.

"We are all aware of the pressures that neonatal units up and down the country are under so anything that can be done to ease that pressure while ensuring that mums and babies get the support they need is to be welcomed."

The new unit has four cots and four beds and will be housed on Ward 24, Foxglove Ward,.

Transitional Care midwife Emma Rawling, who has been with the Trust for three years, said: "The unit will help us to reduce separation rates for Walsall mums and their babies at what is a very special time and it will also help to reduce some of the pressures on our neonatal unit."

Babies receiving transitional care may only need to be in hospital for a 48 hour period or may need a longer stay of up to ten days if they have an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.

Kayleigh Hills, who has worked for the Trust for four years, said: "Midwives will be developing their skills further and this will benefit mums and their babies.

"It's also a good opportunity for staff here who want to develop and progress."