Baby care safe in their hands

Neonatal ‘dream team’ is set up

A NEW neonatal nursing “dream team” has been set up in Oldham to care for some of the region’s sickest babies.

The move comes ahead of a new £44 million women and children’s unit for the Royal Oldham Hospital, which was given the go ahead this week and is due to open in December, 2012.

Ian Yates, Lynn Bowe and Sarah Fitchett make up the three-strong specialist team, who between them have 48 years experience in caring for small and sick babies.

The Royal Oldham will be one of only three centres throughout the region which offer the highest level of intensive care to the smallest and most vulnerable babies.

The other two sites are in Bolton and Central Manchester.

Ian, the last member of the team to be appointed, said: “I joined the unit to help develop a standard of care that the people of Oldham and Rochdale can be even more proud of, and to help save the lives of more babies for generations to come.

“The right mix of skills is as important as new equipment and the ongoing investments in people and training brings a real sense of optimism.”

Pennine Acute Trust, which runs the hospital, has made training a priority and more neonatal nurses are set to join the team.