Inspiration
Pelonomi Hospital to honour World Prematurity Day─── 09:00 Fri, 17 Nov 2023
World Prematurity Day on 17 November is one of the most important days in the year to raise awareness of the challenges and burdens of preterm birth globally. At Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein they host an entire week of awareness.
They focus on supporting moms who have prem babies in their neonatal unit, as well as inviting other moms to come and share their stories. They also celebrate the doctors and nursing staff who work with these babies every day. Hanna Williamson, the dietician at Pelonomi's Neonatal Unit, joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Family Focus.
The Neonatal Unit at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital is a 34-bed unit but can admit 40 to 50 patients. The Kangaroo-Mother-Care Unit (KMC) has a capacity for 20 mother-infant-pairs, with a further 30 beds for lodger mothers.
Besides the colour purple which stands for sensitivity and exceptionality, the socksline has become a symbol for World Prematurity Day. The small pair of purple socks – framed by nine full-size baby socks – symbolises: One in ten babies is born preterm. Worldwide.
