The Barely Born Appeal has been launched to raise additional funds to help provide St Mary's Hospital with a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for the island's sick babies and their parents.

The existing unit was designed during the 1970's when equipment available to support neonates was limited. Almost 40 years on, up to ten large pieces of equipment are used to support one sick baby. This means that our unit is simply running out of space! Also our unit is located downstairs from the maternity ward. This is not ideal as mothers are separated from their babies.

The new St Mary's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will provide babies, parents and medical staff with a spacious, modern unit adjacent to the Maternity Department.

On the Barely Born website you'll find everything you need to know about charity events and fundraising ideas, plus details of how to donate. Sister Pamela George and all the NICU staff thank you for your interest and support. Our aim is to provide excellent island based neonatal facilities to support the high quality of care that we already deliver.