Families unable to see premature and unwell babies at Royal Preston Hospital are able to use a new video service.

Funded by the Baby Beat Charity at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals the VCreate tool allows staff to record short video updates.

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These are sent to parents, siblings and other family members who can’t be on the unit.

Baby Beat Appeal manager, Cathy Skidmore, said: When it just isn’t possible for parents to take their new baby home straight away, it can be really emotionally distressing for families. The vCreate service means that when parents and other family members can’t be on the unit, they can still feel connected to their new arrival.

“Parents can watch the videos at any time and on any device, as well as being able to download the videos and access a baby care video diary to keep a log of their baby’s progress. This has been particularly beneficial recently, with many parents needing to spend more time at home with their other children while schools have been closed.

“Our neonatal staff are committed to ensuring families are as connected as possible when they can’t be on the unit, and this is one lovely way in which they can make that happen.”

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The videos, which contain no clinical information, are stored securely on the service and parents receive an email or SMS alert when a new video is available.

Matron on the neonatal intensive care unit, Joanne Smith, said: “The vCreate service is a brilliant way of helping parents to feel connected to their babies when they can’t be on the unit. To be away from your baby is extremely difficult, but to know they are receiving excellent care and seeing their baby on a video provides some comfort for families.

“We as a team are doing our utmost to ensure families stay updated on their baby’s care and progress, keeping that strong connection going until it’s time for them to be together at home.”

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