Hull NICU Achieves High Survival Rates for Extremely Premature Infants

Infants delivered 18 weeks prematurely face extremely precarious conditions. However, a specific neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) reports an “incredibly high” survival rate. According to its staff, the Hull facility ranks among England’s top units for treating the most critically ill and premature newborns. Over the last 18 months, all five babies born at 22 weeks gestation there have survived. Zachary, who weighed only 520 grams (1.1lb) at birth, is one of these infants. His mother, Lauren, stated, “We were incredibly frightened,” adding, “We weren’t sure whether he would survive.” Zachary was delivered at Doncaster Royal Infirmary at 22 weeks and six days, then promptly transferred to Hull. Lauren explained, “He had steroids to help his lungs, as he’s had great difficulty with his breathing.” She further detailed his medical interventions: “He’s had nitric acid, they’ve had concerns over his bowels. He’s got a double hernia that he’ll need an operation for, he’s had blood transfusions.” This NICU, classified as a level three unit, is one of merely four facilities in the Yorkshire and the Humber region equipped to provide care for infants born at such an early stage. In the previous year, the unit was allocated £1.3m, which funded the acquisition of five additional intensive care and high dependency cots, alongside new amenities for parents and siblings. Its capacity now allows for the simultaneous care of 29 infants. The 2023 National Neonatal Audit Programme indicates that this unit possesses the lowest regional mortality rates for its specific type. Francesca Matthews, a neonatal matron, commented, “The chances of survival for a baby of 22 weeks gestation is incredibly low.” She continued, “However, we have all the technology and equipment to be able to care for those babies and our survival and success rate is incredibly high.” These new facilities, financed by a £1.2m grant from NHS England and £100,000 from the hospital’s WISHH charity, encompass a play area for siblings, a lounge for parents, and a sensory room designed for parents and physiotherapists to use with older infants. Francesca stated, “We’ve worked really, really hard, especially over the past 12 months, to make it a real family affair.” The enhancements have proven highly beneficial for Lauren’s five-year-old daughter, who enjoys visiting on weekends and utilizing the play area. Lauren remarked, “It’s not what she expected being a big sister to be, but she loves coming and getting involved.” She added, “She can go and colour and play.” Lauren also noted, “She knows where all the books are to go to get a story to read to him. It’s such a relief having that here.” For Tony, who characterized his entry into fatherhood as “parenting with a bang,” the availability of a parents’ lounge offering “as many cups of tea as you want” has been indispensable. His son, Elliot, was born at only 27 weeks gestation, earlier than his late December due date. Tony expressed optimism that the infant would be able to return home by Christmas. He noted that the unit’s personnel have included him in Elliot’s care to the greatest extent possible. “The emotional stress has been tiring, but I’ve been involved, supporting mum, supporting Elliot. Walking the dog, doing the washing, doing the shopping,” he shared. Tony stated, “You feel comfortable that [Elliot’s] in safe hands.” He observed, “Here he is six weeks later, growing and looking healthy. He’s definitely fighting. All the babies on here are fighting.” Following its expansion, the NICU has progressively provided care for premature and ill infants delivered at hospitals in Grimsby and Scunthorpe, who require advanced neonatal support. Previously, these infants would have been transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, a journey involving a three-hour round trip from Grimsby, making this change a significant advantage for parents residing in northern Lincolnshire. Among these patients is Mabel, who is being discharged to the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, following 101 days at the Hull NICU. Born at 22 weeks and five days, she still has three weeks remaining until her initial due date. Embrace, a specialized neonatal transfer service, is preparing Mabel for her return journey to her hometown. Personnel affix small ear defenders and meticulously position thick foam blocks around her for protection. Lauren, Zachary’s mother, arrived to bid farewell as Mabel was moved out of the unit. Matron Francesca stated that Mabel’s recovery serves as an inspiration to others. She further commented, “For Lauren to see that even though the chance of survival at 22 weeks isn’t always high, babies are going home and are surviving, I think that’s a really lovely thing for a family to see.” Lauren captured a photograph as Mabel departed the unit permanently, gaining increasing confidence that Zachary might soon do the same. She reflected, “It’s definitely been scary. There’s been moments where they have said it’s been on a knife edge and we weren’t sure what the next hour or the next day would be like.” She concluded, “But we’re here 10 weeks later.”