Charity supporting care of premature babies in Lancaster to close after 34 years

Friday, 14 April 2023 06:39

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Lancaster and District Special Care Baby Unit Trust Fund formally hands over to Bay Hospitals Charity. Pictured, from left, are Helen Wilkinson, Suzanne Lofthouse and Christine Metcalfe of Bay Hospitals Charity

A charity which has supported the care of premature babies at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary for 34 years is set to close.

Lancaster and District Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) Trust Fund is formally winding down after raising around half a million pounds since it was established in 1989.

The fund was created by Consultant Paediatrician Monica Placzek with the aim of supporting the hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

Donations from the fund are used to support babies receiving care on the unit, improve facilities for staff, provide specialist equipment, and promote research.

Jonathon Prichard, who joined as trustee in 1993 and is now the fund’s Chair, said: “I have been involved in the life of SCBU since the birth of our son 39 years ago.

“In total we have raised and contributed in the region of £500,000 towards Special Care during the time that the Trust has been in operation.

“The trustees and I are so grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve, even if only in this small way, and know that we have made a difference.

“I would like to thank my fellow trustees Chris Gartside (Treasurer), Helen Wilkinson (Secretary) and Cathy Munster - without them nothing would have been possible.”

Throughout its history, the fund has incurred no running expenses. Professional services such as legal and accountancy have been provided free of charge, allowing all money raised to go to the unit.

Around £11,000 currently held by the fund is being passed on to Bay Hospitals Charity to continue supporting the unit.

“It’s hard to find the words to express how grateful we are to the Special Care Baby Unit Trust Fund team for their incredible support spanning more than three decades," said Suzanne Lofthouse, Bay Hospitals Charity’s Head of Charities and Fundraising.

“Although the fund is now closing, it leaves an incredible legacy through its support for families all over the region.

“Bay Hospitals Charity is proud to be continuing this work, and we will ensure that the final donation of funds from the charity is put to good use.”

Bay Hospitals Charity funds the latest equipment for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to help make patients more comfortable and ensure they get the best possible care and treatment.

To donate and support your local NHS hospital, contact Bay Hospitals Charity on 01524 516064 or email charity@mbht.nhs.uk

Donations can also be made at bayhospitalscharity.org