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North Mid’s neonatal team recognised by MPs

Response to pandemic from staff at Edmonton hospital praised

North Middlesex Hospital's prize-winning neonatal team
North Middlesex Hospital’s prize-winning neonatal team

North Middlesex University Hospital’s neonatal team has been presented with a prize by members of parliament for its work to support families during the pandemic.

The Sunrise Neonatal Team was announced as winner in the Future NHS category of the NHS Parliamentary Awards earlier this month.

To help reduce the spread of infection at the very start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the neonatal unit adapted to using technology to keep parents connected to their new-borns.

The team worked with the hospital trust’s IT team to adapt the secure NHS video calling service Attend Anywhere, usually used for pre-arranged hospital appointments, for parents and families to visit their baby virtually in the unit. The technology is also used for parents to speak to clinicians and be kept updated with how their baby is doing.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards recognise health and care staff for their contribution to the NHS. The Sunrise Neonatal Team were nominated by Enfield Southgate MP Bambos Charalambous.

Cheentan Singh, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist said: “The bond between a new-born and their family is vital to their development and with visiting restrictions in place, we knew that it was going to be really difficult for families.

“So I’m really proud we were able to find a way to reunite families quickly and to be recognised for this is a huge boost for the team.”

Dr Andy Heeps, interim chief executive of North Middlesex University Hospital, said: “I am so proud that our neonatal team has been recognised nationally for their innovative response to a really difficult problem.

“Technology has played a key role in our response to the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s great that the team were able to respond so quickly to meet the needs of families in Enfield, Haringey and beyond.”

Bambos said: “This is fantastic news for North Mid’s neonatal team and I am thrilled that they have been recognised in parliament for their service to families in north London.

“Being able to adapt so quickly at the start of the pandemic to help make sure that families could stay connected is a testament to the vital work that the hospital does for our local community.”


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