Parents of neonatal babies offered free meals

Parents of babies being treated in a neonatal unit can now receive free meals during their child's stay.

Parents often forget to eat and drink while they in the ward for sick and premature babies at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.

The hospital's Volunteers' Coffee Lounge is now offering parents free meal vouchers to ensure they stay nourished while at their child's bedside.

Georgina Oakley, who manages the cafe, said she was in a "state of disbelief" when her son George was born 10 weeks early and had to spend a month on the ward.

"We were extremely lucky George had no major issues, but being tube-fed was daunting," she said.

"My memories of the unit are of the outstanding care we received.

"I hope offering a helping hand shows these families they aren't alone."

Research from charity Bliss carried out in 2022 estimated families with a baby in neonatal care face an average additional financial burden of £405 per week, with expensive food being part of this cost.

The lounge is funded by donations and its profits are reinvested into the hospital.

Nurse consultant Lynne Paterson said the vouchers would provide parents with a "well-deserved break" and allow them to "look after themselves during a difficult time".

"Parents will have one less thing to worry about when they are already anxious about their baby," she said.

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