Parents using the Neonatal Unit can stay close to their babies in extended and refurbished accommodation. Funded by the hospital’s Stars Appeal the Joan Stainer Family Accommodation Unit comprises of four en-suite double bedrooms, a playroom, lounge, kitchen, quiet room and multi-purpose education room.

Parents and staff working with ArtCare’s Penny Robbins chose the colours for the unit and themes for the artworks. In the parent’s words they wanted the new unit to be ‘welcoming, calming, friendly and relaxing’ and so each of the bedrooms is furnished with solid oak furniture and has a large panoramic landscape image on one wall. The rooms are designed to feel as homely as possible – all have an en-suite shower and different types of lighting. The playroom has been designed with the needs of siblings in mind and has a range of toys and books and a games kiosk. The parent’s lounge provides a calmer space for relaxing. Both of these rooms lead onto a decked area and adjoining garden. These spaces give families time together to bond and support each other.

The blossom and butterfly silhouette design on the window of the quiet room provides a focal point on entering the new unit as well as privacy for users of the room. The design is also repeated windows and door signs throughout the parent accommodation creating a sense of identity for the unit.