Families are being kept in the picture about the progress of babies in Walsall Manor Hospital’s Neonatal Unit thanks to a new photo and messaging system that has been introduced.

Vcreate is a secure system that allows staff on the unit to send photos, videos and messages to parents, securely.

Nicki Heath, Community Outreach Sister, said: “I have had two premature babies myself so I do understand how difficult it is to be a mum at home, perhaps expressing milk, and dealing with all of the emotions of not having your baby with you.

“This system will be such a good way of helping to keep families in touch – particularly if there are times they can’t attend the unit perhaps due to juggling the demands of other children, or their own ill health. It is so important that they can see their babies and receive regular updates.”

Hazel Brookes, Specialist Midwife for Infant Feeding, added: “During the current pandemic in particular, where visiting is restricted to one parent, this will be a really helpful way to keep the rest of the family up to date and help them feel they are part of things. At the end of the neonatal journey the photos and videos can be downloaded as a memory book to keep forever.”

Vcreate has been funded by NHS England but Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust will continue to offer the system beyond this period.