Each year, around 375 babies begin their lives in the Neonatal Unit (Special Care Baby Unit) at York Hospital where they receive specialist care, many having been born prematurely or with complex medical needs. A refurbishment is currently underway, with the new facility due to open in November 2026. This facility will provide a modern, family-centered environment designed to support both babies and their families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

The “Tiny Lives” appeal has been launched to raise funds for additional equipment, furnishings and family-focused enhancements that fall outside the scope of NHS funding including:

• Sleeper chairs which are versatile armchairs that convert into pull-out beds giving parents the opportunity to rest close to their babies.
• Height-adjustable cots which support mothers recovering from C-sections and so helping them care for their babies with ease and dignity.
• Reclining chairs which provide a comfortable seating option for parents at their baby’s bedside, offering rest and recovery and which are ideal for overnight stays.
• Twin cots which allow twins to stay together from birth, supporting bonding and emotional wellbeing for both babies and parents.

These improvements will help create a calm, welcoming and supportive environment for parents and their babies.

Fuller details can be seen on the website www.yshospitalscharity.org/tinylives

To help them achieve their target, Eboracum Lodge donated £500 to the appeal as part of their charity donation program. In making this donation, the Lodge recognised the importance of supporting a local project that will benefit hundreds of families across York, Scarborough and the surrounding area for many years to come.

At the end of the appeal, there will be a “dedication” wall with one of the plaques reflecting the Lodge donation. The Lodge will also be invited to the unveiling.

The Lodge hopes its contribution will encourage others to support the appeal and help provide the very best start in life for the region's youngest and most vulnerable patients.

For more information about helping the charity achieve their target, please contact Emma Feasby, the Hospital’s Fundraising Manager (emma.feasby@nhs.net)

The photo shows George Urwin, the Lodge’s Charity Steward (right) and Paul Johnson, Eboracum’s Senior Warden presenting the cheque to Emma Feasby, the Hospital’s Fundraising Manager with Jim Cooper, Eboracum’s Worshipful Master looking on.