Helping to take the anxiety out of separation

One of the things we are very proud to have been part of during the nnu’s reaction to the pandemic is the provision of the vCreate remote video system. This enables families to see their baby on screen via photos and videos at the nursery at St George’s Hospital while the family are at home.

This has been particularly important for parents who are unable to visit due to illness or quarantine procedures, for the siblings at home and for the wider family who have sadly not been able to visit their new tiny family members and who can view footage online when it is shared.

Nursing staff have found the video system very beneficial, and enjoy keeping families updated and we’ve had some lovely feedback from parents:

‘It’s very reassuring to get videos and photos when we miss our son, feel anxious or would like a general update.  It’s really easy to use and set up. We are very grateful for the vCreate system.’ Sara-May & Thomas Mans

‘We loved receiving videos and photos of Ravi and Rayan. We have an older child at home which means our visits vary depending on his needs. We really appreciate all the images we receive.’ Seems & Ash Patel.

Jack knew that he was having a baby sister but was very confused when I came home from hospital without her. Because of the restrictions, sadly he was not able to visit Charlotte but the video system allowed him to “meet” her and he absolutely loved it when Charlotte’s nurse sent through a “night night” message and photo. Claire Baker.

The need for remote access caught the imagination of supporters who raised money specifically for the video system, such as ten year old twin graduates Amy and Thomas Bell who challenged themselves to a 20 mile walk to raise funds so that families can stay in touch with their precious babies during these very difficult times. You can read their story here

The system, which provides priceless reassurance to parents, costs First Touch £9,000 a year. This works out at just £750 per month for all 40 babies who are at the nnu at any one time, so a monthly donation of only £15 (plus the Gift Aid we are able to claim) would pay for one baby’s access to vCreate.

If you’d like to donate towards this wonderful resource, either with a one-off donation or a monthly sponsorship please get in touch with us [email protected]