Refurbished Neonatal Unit opened at Arrowe Park Hospital 

The refurbished Neonatal Unit at Arrowe Park Hospital reopened on Monday 8 December 2025, offering families a more supportive environment during their baby’s early care. Stage one of the refurbishment was completed earlier this year and focused on modernising the intensive and high dependency care areas, improving comfort & space for families 

The Neonatal Unit at Arrowe Park Hospital provides specialist care for premature and unwell babies, including those who need support with breathing or temperature regulation. The refurbished unit offers a more comfortable and supportive environment for babies and families during a difficult time.

The refurbishment followed a programme of improvements supported by a £300,000 donation from local charity IncuBabies, as well as fundraising by parents, staff and the WUTH Charity. 

The redesign focused on better use of space, improved cot-side experience and enhanced privacy. The updated care area now aligns with national recommendations for safe family-centred care. The additional space improves access for parents, especially providing support for mothers who may be  still bedbound following delivery.

Jo Lavery, Divisional Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “Our priority was to improve the experience of families. By reconfiguring the layout and modernising key clinical areas, we have created a unit that feels more open and supportive without changing the number of cots we provide . Families will benefit from more space around each cot and a layout that supports parents to be involved in their baby’s care. Parents helped shape the design and their feedback guided improvements that will make a real difference.”

Representatives from IncuBabies visited the Trust to meet staff, visit the refurbished unit and see first-hand how their support has strengthened care for local families.

Sheila Clarke MBE, Chair of IncuBabies, said: “We reached this milestone through the dedication of our supporters. The first stage of the refurbishment is complete and we are proud to have helped improve care for babies and families. IncuBabies will continue supporting the unit and will also engage in community projects and research that benefit babies and their families.”

Nikki Stevenson, Chief Medical Officer at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, welcomed IncuBabies to the unit during the opening. She said: “It was a pleasure to meet the charity again and show them the refurbished facility. Their support has made a direct and positive impact on families and staff.”

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, added: “We thank IncuBabies and WUTH Charity for raising significant funds. The refurbished unit strengthens the care we provide and gives families an improved environment at a crucial time.”

The Trust also thanked colleagues in Theatres, Gynaecology and Estates for supporting the safe temporary relocation of services during the build and for their work in delivering the refurbishment.

The Neonatal Unit will continue to provide specialist care supported by an experienced multi-disciplinary team. Fundraising for phase two and phase three of the project is underway to support further expansion and refurbishment of clinical and family spaces. Anyone interested in supporting this work can contact WUTH Charity.

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