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Charles, Chris, and Valency

Celebrating international prematurity day

On 16 November, International Prematurity day, the neonatal unit at Northwick Park Hospital celebrated in style. They invited families, whose babies were born preterm to a prematurity graduation party. With food, dancing and speeches, everyone had a great time.

Velency Fernendes, who is a radiographer at Northwick Park Hospital, whose baby, Chris Joseph was born at 30 weeks said: “It was a really scary time for myself and my husband Charles. He weighed just 1.3kg when he was born, and we were frightened to touch him. But the staff were fantastic, and encouraged us to get involved with his care right from the start.”

Velency was diagnosed with placenta previa (a low lying placenta) at her 20 week scan. She suffered from heavy bleeding, and was monitored every few weeks, until at 30 weeks she underwent a caesarean section.

“When Chris was born”, says Velency, “he was whisked away to an incubator and in total he spent 44 days in the neonatal unit.”

Dad Charles said: “The staff made sure we were both kept up to date with his progress. Every little milestone was recorded and there was always somebody we could ask questions of or ask for help.

I had heard some bad reports about the maternity unit, but I can honestly say that my son received the best care and staff couldn’t do enough for us. I’d say to anyone who was thinking about having their baby here, to not think twice – it’s a world class service. We thank God for the amazing staff, and that our happy and healthy son is now at home with us where he belongs. ”

Neonatal consultant, Dr Khadija Ben-Sasi, who helped to arrange the event said: “It was wonderful having so many families join us to celebrate how well their babies are progressing and for the staff to see them all looking so healthy.

"We build up such a close bond with parents when their babies are on the unit, and many of them feel like family, so it was like having a huge family reunion.”

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