Publish date: 7 August 2024
A transformational video messaging service is helping parents to connect with their poorly babies being cared for at Warrington Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.
The vCreate app allows staff in the Neonatal Unit to send videos, photos and messages to parents who are not able to be with their baby on the unit.
Updates are sent via a secure and safe system, providing a way for parents to ask questions, check in on progress and feel closer to their baby during some of the most difficult times for a new family. vCreate allows nurses on the ward to capture precious first moments when a baby opens their eyes or tastes milk and can support the stimulation of oxytocin, fostering closer relationships and supporting new parents to produce milk.
Parents are also able to download videos and pictures from the app to share with wider family and friends who may not be able to meet the new addition to the family. The system has been vital in helping families to reduce their anxiety, with many new families expressing their gratitude for the new app.
Erica Wiles, Neonatal Unit Ward Manager, said: “We strive to foster close and loving relationships between babies and their parents. A stay on the Neonatal Unit can be one of the most terrifying times for a family but with the vCreate app we can support parents to be more involved and feel connected to their baby’s care. The app not only allows us to share photographs and updates with parents, but is vital to reducing separation anxiety, supporting new mums with breastmilk expression and creating those emotional bonds with their new baby.”
The app, which is available in 14 languages, also has the ability to auto-translate messages to and from the unit, helping to empower parents and increase their involvement in their new baby’s care.
The Neonatal Team have also recently introduced the ‘parent passport’ allowing parents to take the lead on caring for their baby. This supports parents to feel confident in care tasks, such as nappy changes, and prepare for taking their baby home.
Rachel Duffy, Neonatal Sister, said: “The vCreate app is an invaluable resource and it makes my work as a nurse more personalised. I love being able to write messages to parents from their baby.”
WHH Charity extends its thanks to our community for their continued support. Thanks to your support, the vCreate service is free for families to use, helping parents stay connected.
If you or someone you know would like to donate to support impactful projects such as this, please contact our Charity Team on 01925 662666 or email whh
Neonatal Unit staff with the vCreate App.