Families with babies receiving care in the Neonatal Unit at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy can now benefit from more flexible access, thanks to the installation of a new secure fingerprint entry system.
The Neonatal Unit provides specialist care for newborn babies who need additional support in the first days and weeks of life. This includes babies born prematurely, those with a low birth weight, or those requiring treatment for medical conditions shortly after birth. The Unit is staffed by a skilled clinical team who provide round-the-clock care, supporting both babies and their families during what can often be a worrying and emotional time.
The installation of a new fingerprint entry system allows parents to access the Unit 24 hours a day without needing to be let in by staff, helping access to be more flexible and making it easier for families to be with their baby when it matters most.
The installation has been made possible through a generous grant from the Friends of Kirkcaldy Hospitals, whose continued support helps enhance facilities and experiences for patients and families across the site.
The development of the new system is helping to improving accessibility to the Neonatal Unit, while ensuring that robust security measures remain in place. Access to the Unit is strictly controlled, with the fingerprint system limited to authorised parents only, maintaining the safety and privacy of vulnerable babies and their families.
Lynn Brown, Clinical Nurse Manager for Paediatrics & Neonates, said of the new system: “Having a baby in the Neonatal Unit can be an incredibly stressful time for families, and our team works incredibly hard to make sure we support families throughout. The installation of our new fingerprint system helps make our Neonatal Unit more accessible for parents, which maintains the high standards of safety and security that gives families peace of mind.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Friends of Kirkcaldy Hospitals for funding this improvement. It allows us to support bonding and enhance the experience for families during what is often a hugely difficult time.”
Heather Ogg, Chair of the Friends of Kirkcaldy Hospitals, added: “We’re delighted to support this project, which we know will make a real difference to families during a very difficult time.
“We know how important it is that parents can be with their baby as easily and as often as possible during the early days and weeks of life. As a charity, we are really pleased to be able to help make that happen.”
Ross and Lauren Maxwell’s twins were born at the Victoria Hospital and were cared for in the Neonatal Unit for 14 days. Ross and Lauren said: “Adding fingerprint access to the Neonatal Unit feels forward-thinking, proactive and empathetic, and allowed us to come and go as we needed during some of the most difficult moments.
“Having to wait to be buzzed in can feel like you need permission to see your own child. The fingerprint access removed that invisible barrier and helped us feel welcome and part of the environment.
“It’s a simple change, but it had a huge positive impact. Small acts of kindness like this became the norm during our time in the Unit, and they made all the difference. I can only describe the staff across the NICU and Maternity services as exceptional."
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Images:
Image 1: Heather Ogg, Chair of the Friends of Kirkcaldy Hospitals (centre) with members of the clinical team from the Neonatal Unit [DOWNLOAD]
Image 2: Ross and Lauren Maxwell with their twins[DOWNLOAD]
