A brand-new, purpose-built milk kitchen is now in use at Leicester General Hospital’s Neonatal Unit – made possible by your generous support.

Until recently, the unit had no dedicated space for preparing and storing specialist formula milk. Bottle preparation, sterilisation and milk storage had to share space with the mothers’ expressing room – a setup that was both impractical and lacking in privacy.

Now, thanks to your kindness, parents have a dedicated kitchen where they can wash and sterilise equipment, prepare milk and take a more active role in their baby’s care from day one. And the redesign of the expressing room provides new mothers with the privacy they deserve.

Previously, many premature or unwell babies at Leicester General requiring specialised formula milk had to be transported back to Leicester Royal Infirmary, where a suitable milk kitchen is available. These transfers could be distressing for parents and physically challenging for babies.

With the new facility in place, those transfers are no longer necessary unless clinically essential. This means more babies can remain at Leicester General Hospital, without disruption.

“Feeding is such a fundamental part of bonding with your baby,” explained Rachel McCoy, Ward Manager on the unit. “This kitchen allows new parents to do that in a safe, supportive and private space.”

Rebecca from Blaby has been using the new milk kitchen for baby Mabel since giving birth four weeks ago. She said “My little Mabel made an early entrance into the world and has been receiving the most fantastic care on the Neonatal Unit. I’ve used the milk kitchen each day to make the special formula my baby needs to grow stronger to be able to come home. I’m so grateful that the kitchen is here and that I’m able to have some control over caring for my baby.” The impact goes beyond convenience – it’s about dignity, safety and emotional wellbeing

This project has already brought peace of mind to families and staff alike, and it is only possible because of the kindness of supporters like you.

Thanks to your generosity, Leicester’s tiniest patients can stay closer to their loved ones, and parents can be part of the precious early moments of feeding, bonding and caring – right here at Leicester General Hospital.