Our thanks go to everyone who has supported the charity this year. Your donations have allowed us to support the unit in maintaining the high standards that we have come to expect of Special Care.

Over the last year we have seen an increase in admissions to the unit. In the months of January to October (inclusive) in 2007 we have had a total of 211 admissions to SCBU compared to 215 for January to December 2006.

This has meant not only an increased workload for the team on SCBU but also for the two home care teams and the milk bank.

Looking at the feedback we have received from parents the increased workload has not impacted on the quality of care we have been able to offer.

Many of you will have read in the local press of proposals to change how the four local hospitals work together and offer services. The provision of Special Care Baby Units across the four sites is part of this proposal and the charity is being kept updated by the unit on the proposed changes. If proposals go ahead then the joint hospitals consortium will fund any major changes and additional equipment needed by the units, and the fund will work with the hospital in maintaining the high standard of parent facilities needed. With this in mind the charity has kept back funds this year so that we can implement any changes needed in the near future. For more information on the proposals being put forward visit: www.apictureofhealth.nhs.uk