Parents have welcomed a special gift for babies being cared for in the county’s neonatal units.
Staff on the neonatal units at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, Boston have started giving out keepsake bears to parents whose babies spend time in their care.
One mum, whose little boy Leo has already spent 15 days on the Lincoln County Hospital unit, said: “Everyone on the unit has been so lovely and I have been able to stay on site to be close to Leo. The nurses have taught me everything about caring for Leo and have just been so helpful.
“The bear is such a lovely token that will go in Leo’s memory box and will be something to show him when he is older.”
The bears have been funded by United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and were produced by a local small business. The bear is wearing a t-shirt with a yellow graphic in tribute to the baby being a Lincolnshire yellowbelly.
The idea originated following a discussion with a parent on one of the units who suggested the idea of a memento.
Carole Chapman, Ward Manager at Pilgrim Neonatal Unit, said: “Since the introduction of the bears we have had really good feedback from the parents, they love the idea of the bear that they can take away and keep as a reminder of their stay with us. It adds a personal touch to what is a very stressful time. A little piece of normality at a very abnormal time.
“I am really happy the charity was able to support us in the purchase of the bears. It means a great deal to be able to give this small token to our families in what can be a very stressful time.”
Ben Petts, Charity Manager, said: “The United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity were really keen to support this venture, a way we can impact the experience of patients at their earliest point.”
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