Family support
At the centre of everything we do is supporting families whilst their baby is in the Neonatal Care Unit
“The days in SCBU are so intense, by far the hardest days of my life so far, but having the amazing SSNAP team visiting you regularly, encouraging you to take time for a much needed coffee, and providing festive cheer over Christmas to those of us on the unit with carol singers and gifts for the babies is incredible." - Natalie
Family Care Team
Our family care team consists of Christine, Kerry and Lauren.
They are here 7 days a week to offer emotional and practical support to families on the unit.
Admission Box
Every baby admitted to the unit is given a SSNAP admission box.
This includes numerous essentials for parents including lid safe coffee cups, ear plugs for doctors' walk rounds, memory books, pens, muslins, babies' first teddy and a pack of information to help settle and integrate after their new arrival.
Snack Trolley
The SSNAP snack trolley is brought around the unit daily to ensure parents keep their strength up while sitting cot side.
Coffee Mornings
We run a monthly coffee morning for those on the unit. This is a great opportunity to sit and have a cup of tea and a snack with families going through a similar experience.
Special Occasions
Days on the unit can be incredibly long, we take every opportunity to spread some cheer. Whether Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Christmas or even events such as the Kings Coronation, SSNAP are here to provide a lunch for families and staff on the unit and put a smile on everyone's faces.
Gifts
Whether a special day in the calendar, a parents birthday or even a nurses big birthday! We love the opportunity to treat our families and amazing NHS staff to a special gift to mark the occasion.
We are incredibly lucky to receive fantastic donations from our supporters at Christmas and Easter enabling gifts to be shared with siblings and newborns alike on these special days!
Little Ssnaplings
Leaving the familiarity of the neonatal unit can be daunting. This is where our Little Ssnaplings groups step in!
Little Ssnaplings are parent and baby/toddler groups for families who have spent time in the neonatal unit. These groups are a place for families who have experienced a difficult start with their newborn, where they can meet others who understand and have been there them selves. Click here to find out more.