Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we’ve been able to transform Ward 76 at  St Michael’s Hospital into a more welcoming, homely space for families who need extra care in the early days of their baby’s life.

Ward 76 is a specialist transitional care ward, where mums stay with their babies when extra support is needed – whether that’s help with feeding, keeping warm, or closer observation.  For many families, this can mean staying in hospital for weeks rather than days.  

Throughout this period, parents are still the main caregivers for their babies, supported by a dedicated team of midwives, neonatal nurses, maternity assistants and nursery nurses. But we know this experience can also be incredibly challenging.

Many of the mums on Ward 76 are facing complex circumstances, including poor mental health or difficult social situations. Being away from home for long periods, often without partners able to stay overnight, can leave families feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

   

A space that feels like home

Before this project, the ward environment felt clinical and lacked spaces for families to come together. Mums often stayed within their bed areas, with few opportunities to connect with others going through similar experiences.

Thanks to our supporters, we’ve been able to refurbish Ward 76 to create a calmer, more comforting environment with opportunities to connect with other mothers.

In collaboration with the UHBW Arts Team and the talented artist, Eleanor Shipman, we’ve been able to refurbish Ward 76 to create a calmer, more comforting environment with opportunities to connect with other mothers.

We have funded:

• A welcoming communal breastfeeding and family space, with comfortable seating
• Soft furnishings, artwork and wipe-clean wall designs to brighten bed bays
• New blinds and redecorated areas to create a more peaceful atmosphere
• Dimmable lighting to help create a restful environment for both mums and babies
• Recliner chairs so partners can stay overnight more comfortably
• Additional seating to support families spending time together

Check out the incredible before and after photos of the transformations below.

 

 

The difference this project has made

At any one time, Ward 76 can care for up to 16 mums and 19 babies, and it is often full. Around 8% of babies born at St Michael’s each year arrive prematurely and may need this extra support.

By making the ward feel more like home, we are helping to:

• Reduce loneliness and isolation for parents
• Encourage families to connect and support one another
• Support maternal mental health and wellbeing
• Enable partners to stay close and be involved in care
• Create a more positive start for babies who need extra care

One member of staff shared how a partner once slept in a standard chair for 16 nights just to stay beside his family. Thanks to this project, families now have a more comfortable, supportive environment during this transition.

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