Young patients find warmth and comfort with generous donation

Babies on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital will have a more comfortable stay thanks to a kind donation from Highcliffe Care Home.

Residents, family members, and staff at Highcliffe Care Home in Sunderland handknitted and crocheted 15 premature baby bonnets and 15 blankets over four months, which have now been gifted to the hospital’s youngest patients.

The residents’ group, “A Stitch In Time,” which meets weekly at the 60-bed care home, helped create these essential items for the newborns.

Bonnets are vital in helping neonatal babies regulate their body temperature and protect their heads. At the same time, blankets soothe, maintain warmth, and provide snug, womb-like comfort for better sleep.

Gillian Redmayne, Well-being Co-ordinator at Highcliffe Care Home, was among the staff who visited the hospital to deliver the donation.

Gillian said, “Being part of this meaningful donation to the Neonatal Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital has been heart-warming.”

“We are thrilled to support the hospital with these handmade bonnets and blankets. Our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff joined together with love to create these essential items, providing comfort and warmth to the precious little ones who need it most.”

“Made from donated soft wool, these items are designed to keep them cosy and secure during their early days.”

Marie Brook, resident at Highcliffe Care Home, was also involved in the creation and donation of the essential items.

She said, “Helping the newborns out in our local area is so important to us and it was a pleasure to be part of something that is making a real difference.”

Sunderland Neonatal Unit sent the lovely staff members at Highcliffe Care Home a thank you letter, which stated: “May we express out gratitude for the beautifully knitted garments that you have so kindly made for the babies on our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”

“Our babies will not be so well dressed without the kindness shown by members of the public. Once again, thank you for your kindness and supporting out Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”

Love, Amelia Children’s Charity also received a generous donation of baby blankets from the luxury care home. Founded in memory of a young girl named Amelia, the charity assists children with life-limiting conditions and disabilities.

Highcliffe Care Home is part of the Avery Healthcare Group and specialises in respite, residential, and dementia care for older adults.