Launch of support group for parents of sick babies

February 7^th, 2002

A support group is being launched in Bury St Edmunds for any parent who has ever had a child on a Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

The Special Care Baby Unit cares for sick and premature babies.  Some babies may need to remain on a SCBU for months at a time, and can make slow progress.  This is obviously a traumatic time for the parents of the child. The group has been set up to offer support and advice for parents in this situation.  The launch takes place on Saturday 2nd March from 1-3pm in the Paediatric Outpatients Department of the West Suffolk Hospital.

"This support group is intended to be an informal network of people who have ever had babies on a Special Care Baby Unit," said Ruth Buckle, senior staff nurse.  "Parents can talk through their problems and concerns with people who have had similar experiences.

"Having a baby born just 28 weeks into the pregnancy, the weight of a bag of sugar, is obviously a terrible worry for the family involved.  But these children do usually get better, go home and have normal childhoods.  It helps immensely to be able to talk to parents who have been through it all before.  We hope that people whose babies have been on a SCBU and recovered will befriend parents whose child is currently on the unit, and offer them emotional support while their child gets better.  It always helps to talk to someone who has been through it all before."

If anyone would like to attend the launch of the support group on Saturday 2nd March, they are welcome to turn up on the day, or speak to Ruth Buckle on 01284 713251.