A team from the neonatal unit at Lincoln County Hospital is joining a nationwide cycling challenge to raise funds to enhance care for sick and premature babies. Fifteen nurses and healthcare workers from Lincoln's Maternity Unit will join teams from neonatal units across the country to cycle 50 miles in a day. The challenge aims to raise funds to provide additional extras to support baby health care.
Cycle Route and Fundraising Goal
On Sunday, July 5, the team will cycle from Lincoln County Hospital to Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, and back again. Funds raised will support United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity to provide extra resources for some of Lincolnshire's most poorly babies and their families. The charity cycle challenge also celebrates 50 years of the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM).
Staff Motivation
Neonatal Unit manager, Helen Fletcher, explained why the team was keen to take part: "BAPM creates the guidance and framework for neonatal care. It is the standard that United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust's Maternity Services work to, ensuring we achieve the highest quality of care possible. Every neonatal unit in the country is being asked to celebrate this milestone anniversary by cycling 50 miles, one mile for each year."
Lincoln County Hospital's Neonatal Unit has 15 cots providing intensive care to premature and poorly babies born 27 weeks gestation and above. Helen has worked on the unit since 2013 and says the guidance provided by BAPM is invaluable in enabling teams to constantly review and improve the care they give. She said: "It is such a privilege to work with families and to see their confidence grow as they care for their babies. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the bond between parents and child develop."
Charity Support
United Lincolnshire Hospitals charity manager, Ben Petts, is full of admiration for the team. "These tiny, fragile patients depend entirely on the expertise and dedication of this team. It is a privilege for the charity to support our neonatal colleagues. Over the past year we have funded equipment including a Criticool baby cooler, which protects newborns from brain damage, as well as reclining chairs which provide comfort to parents whilst they stay at the cot side of their babies. We will be cheering every team member on as they cycle between Lincoln and Boston."
Clinical Health care support worker Sally Atkinson and Neonatal Nurse Ruby Smythe, who are both keen cyclists, were eager to sign up to the challenge. As the team prepare for their big day, Sally summed up her thoughts: "I do hope it will be sunny! It will be hard work and a personal challenge for us all, but if we can raise money as well it will be well worth it."
To support Sally, Helen, Ruby and the team please visit the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity website.
