Support network set up for parents of premature babies

A network of support for Northern Ireland’s ‘early arrivals’ is to be set up to ease the plight of parents of premature and multiple babies.

The move by Northern Ireland Mother & Baby Action (NIMBA) follows its revelation that post neonatal help is inadequate for many of the 2,000 mothers who each year give birth to babies who are born too soon or too small.

The result is the launch of a dedicated network of ‘friends’ whose position in the community help raise the awareness of the problem – and the need for effective action in removing it – in every county.

The task of setting up the network, which will represent all sectors of society, will land with chief executive of the charity, Pamela Neill, as well as professional staff based at Hope House in Carrickfergus.

Over the next few weeks letters of invitation will be going out to elected representatives, community opinion formers and business and professional leaders inviting them to participate in the initiative.

Ms Neill stressed that the grouping would be made up of those willing to act in a community-responsible role in their area using their influence to identify and support mothers in need.

Medical research funded by NIMBA has already ensured that Northern Ireland no longer has the highest rate of neo-natal deaths in the UK.

(MB)