Luton and Dunstable University Hospital has officially opened a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and new maternity facilities as part of its major redevelopment project.
The brand new Cedar Wing and Oak Wing now house a range of maternity services and the upgraded NICU, marking what hospital leaders have called a “significant milestone” in the history of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The new units bring together modern design, advanced equipment and improved spaces for families and staff. The NICU includes a transitional care area, milk expressing rooms, parent rooming-in facilities and a dedicated bereavement suite, while parents will also have access to an outdoor balcony for moments of respite.
The maternity services, spread across the two wings, include a ten-bed delivery suite, a midwifery-led birthing unit with four birthing pools, and new antenatal and postnatal wards. Outdoor spaces such as a tranquillity garden for pregnant women and a staff wellbeing garden have also been created.
The opening was the result of years of planning and dedication and redevelopment lead midwife Tracey Scivier said: “I’ve had the privilege of supporting the development of the new clinical buildings from a maternity perspective over the past two years and I’m delighted to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition.
“For many of the team, it’s been years of waiting to see our maternity services move into a modern environment with the very best facilities and they are excited to continue providing expert care within this state-of-the-art building.”
Dr Jennifer Birch, neonatal consultant and clinical director, said: “Our new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provides a modern, spacious and purpose-built environment equipped with the latest technology and equipment alongside enhanced facilities for our families. It will support our staff in continuing to provide expert care for sick and premature babies in our local area and across the region.”
Chief Nurse Liz Lees added: “Our wonderful teams have put in their all over the past few years into creating a state-of-the-art building which will enable expert care to be provided in a modern environment. I’m so proud to witness these new facilities come to life, knowing they will greatly benefit our staff and the community we serve.”
The Trust said the opening of Cedar and Oak Wings represents the next step in its long-term plan to modernise patient care across Luton and Bedfordshire.
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