Two prominent charities have united to launch an urgent national fundraising campaign, aiming to ensure that families can remain close to their seriously ill infants during critical hospital stays. The 'Keep Families Together' appeal seeks to raise £3 million to construct a brand-new 'Home from Home' facility at Bradford Royal Infirmary, directly addressing a pressing need for accommodation near the neonatal unit.
A Vital Lifeline for Families in Crisis
This innovative project will establish a warm, welcoming, and completely free place to stay for parents and relatives whose babies are receiving intensive neonatal care. The initiative is already gaining momentum, with nearly £1.8 million secured and construction plans set to commence in Spring 2026. However, organisers emphasise that urgent public support is still essential to prevent families from facing the immense stress of neonatal treatment without accessible, nearby lodging.
Addressing a Critical Regional Shortage
Bradford Royal Infirmary hosts one of only four Level 3 neonatal intensive care units in the entire Yorkshire and Humber region. This specialist unit provides life-saving care for up to 31 critically ill babies at any given time. Despite this capacity, there are currently just five rooms available for parents in close proximity, creating a significant shortfall for families during prolonged hospital stays.
The new 'Home from Home' development is designed to directly alleviate this pressure by providing five additional en-suite bedrooms. The facility will also feature shared living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and laundry amenities, creating a supportive communal environment.
Daytime Respite and Overnight Support
Beyond offering overnight accommodation, the home will serve as a crucial daytime resource. All families with a baby receiving treatment in the unit will be welcome to use the facilities for respite, providing a quiet space to rest, prepare meals, or simply gather their strength away from the clinical environment of the hospital ward.
Personal Stories Highlight the Need
The appeal has garnered strong support from local parents who have experienced the challenges of having a critically ill child. Steven and Zoe Taylor from Bradford, whose daughter Ada-Mai suffered heart failure at just five months old, have shared their powerful story. Steven described the accommodation they used in Leeds during Ada-Mai's treatment as an absolute "lifeline" that enabled them to remain constantly by her side during her recovery.
Expert Endorsement on the Importance of Proximity
Jane Featherstone, Chief Executive of The Sick Children’s Trust, underscored the medical and emotional importance of such facilities. She explained that being physically close to their baby not only improves clinical outcomes for the infants but also plays a vital role in helping parents cope with the associated trauma and stress of having a child in intensive care.
Laura Riach, Charity Director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, added that a 'Home from Home' provides parents with a secure space to build confidence and learn essential care skills in a supportive setting before eventually taking their baby home. This transitional support is invaluable for families navigating the journey from hospital to home care.
Significant Funding Boost
The fundraising drive has received a substantial boost from a generous £1 million donation from The Harry and Mary Foundation. This major contribution has accelerated progress toward the £3 million target, bringing the vision of the new family accommodation much closer to reality. The charitable partnership continues to encourage community involvement and support to bridge the remaining funding gap and make this vital resource available to families in need.
