Wear purple for World Prematurity Day

Saturday 17 November is World Prematurity Day and the Great Western Hospital is asking you to wear purple.

World Prematurity Day is a world-wide movement to raise awareness of premature birth and the effect it can have on parents and families.

Many buildings across the UK will be lit up in purple and the GWH wants all staff and visitors to take part and wear the bright colour to show their support for new-born prematurity.

The GWH is also holding a number of events throughout week of 19^th November in aid of the global day.

For parents and families of babies on the Special Care Baby Unit at the hospital, usual visitor hours have been relaxed on Saturday and Sunday, and staff are inviting loved ones in to visit their babies at any time, with an increased number of visitors allowed by the cot side.

There will also be a chance for families to enjoy a slice of cake as our staff and parents are busy baking purple-themed treats to be shared on the ward.

On Friday 23, the SCBU team will be holding a stand in the Atrium to encourage people to learn more about prematurity and understand the importance of World Prematurity Day. There will also be a raffle, with proceeds going to the national charity Bliss that works with babies born premature or sick.

Helen Orton, ward manager of SCBU, said: “Saturday is a really important day for premature babies, their families and the staff who work so hard to care for them.

“Having a premature baby can be devastating for parents, and we want to show them as much support as we can to make the traumatic situation more bearable.

“We are asking for as many people as possible to get involved and the easiest way to do this is by wearing purple. It will mean so much to us to have a sea of purple across the hospital over the next week.”

The Trust wants more people to know about the hurdles that babies and parents face, and overcome, every day. One in ten babies is born premature, and it is the leading cause of death in the UK for children under five years of age.

“We are very proud of the work that our neonatal unit does to support babies and their families after premature birth,” said Dr Sarah Bates, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist.

“World Prematurity Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about prematurity, and its impact on babies and families. 

“To support us in raising awareness, please share your experiences on social media using the hashtag PrematurityIs.”