Baby Unit, Relatives and Parents Support

Baby Unit, Relatives and Parents Support (charity number 1143667), commonly known as BURPS, is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with babies admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The charity focuses on providing emotional and practical assistance to parents and relatives during the often challenging and stressful periods associated with neonatal care.

Objectives and Activities

The primary objectives of BURPS are to support parents and relatives through various group support meetings, contact noticeboards, and coffee mornings, helping to foster a community of understanding and shared experience. The organization aims to enhance the overall experience of families within the NICU environment by funding improvements to the unit’s facilities that go beyond what the National Health Service (NHS) can provide.

BURPS helps finance advanced medical equipment for the NICU, contributing to better care for babies. Additionally, the charity supports the purchase of comfort items and provides information resources to families to assist them during their stay at the unit. One significant initiative funded by BURPS is the subscription to vCreate, a secure video platform that allows nurses to send photos and videos of babies to parents during times when they cannot be at the cot side, enabling families to stay connected and informed.

Impact

By funding state-of-the-art equipment and improving family facilities, BURPS plays a critical role in enhancing neonatal care at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The charity's support extends beyond physical resources; it also nurtures a supportive community for parents and relatives, which can alleviate some of the emotional strain caused by having a baby in intensive care.

Location

BURPS operates primarily in support of the NICU at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, located in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Summary

Baby Unit, Relatives and Parents Support is a vital charitable organization that works to improve both the medical and emotional support available to families of critically ill newborns. Through funding equipment, enhancing family facilities, and offering community support structures, BURPS contributes significantly to the well-being of babies and their families during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.[1][2][3][4]

[1] https://www.burpscharity.org [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5019986/charity-overview [3] https://www.neighbourly.com/project/65e1cf0e4338d6d86abcbcd5 [4] https://www.burpscharity.org/blank-1 [5] https://www.rainbowtrust.org.uk/support-for-families/neonatal-support