by Lesley Wilkinson
WORKERS saddened when a colleague lost her baby daughter have raised funds to help patients in the neo-natal unit at Warrington Hospital.
The £1,000 donation has provided extra help for the breast feeding room just off the unit – allowing mothers to relax.
Money was raised by staff at Warrington Pension Centre/Hilden House Sports and Social Club on behalf of colleague Angela Pennington, who sadly lost her daughter Anya after she was born prematurely at the hospital last year.
The donation has funded a two-seater brown leather sofa bed, a matching reclining chair and a dimmer light. The unit was also able to purchase a family size freezer to store expressed milk.
The room will also be used as a bereavement room for parents to spend time with their baby away from the ward during their last moments.
Julie Harris, neo natal breast feeding lead nurse, said: “This donation has allowed us to turn the room into a comfortable and relaxed environment for mothers to express and spend time with their babies away from the unit.
“It has been beneficial in getting mothers and babies ready for going home after a long stay on the unit, by allowing them time alone at night, but with support on hand.
“Donations like this make all the difference to our unit by providing additional equipment to support us in our work.”
Marie Brophy, chairman of the Hilden House club, said: “Warrington Pension Centre has always been proactive in their fundraising, supporting various local and national charities nominated by the staff on a monthly basis.
“On this occasion Angela’s colleagues suggested a fundraising event to help support the Neo-Natal Unit at Warrington Hospital following the heartbreaking news. Various activities included a ‘posh up’ day where staff glammed themselves up, cake sales and various small collections realising a generous total of £1,000.”
Pictured in the breastfeeding room (left to right) Sam Greenall, club treasurer, Marie Brophy, from the club, Julie Harris, neo natal breastfeeding nurse lead, (seated) Alison Johnson, ward manager and League of Friends chairman David Eden.
