NHS England is recommending the Neonatal Intensive Care units at Stockton are transferred to Middlesbrough's James Cook. This will result in vital intensive care beds for babies being transferred from Stockton to Middlesbrough under controversial proposals by NHS England. This proposed move has been met with major concerns by local councillors and MPs. It would see life saving intensive care services for babies at the University Hospital of North Tees being transferred to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
As the parents, families and friends of the premature and full term children who have been treated there we feel we owe this wonderful service the right to stay open! This department has and continues to provide exceptional care for these young children but also just as importantly the families of these children. Spending time on a NICU ward is probably the most stressful time any one family can face! Without the intensive care unit some of these poorly children would not have made it!! There are many children leading happy and successful lives because of the services North Tees offers and because of their first class team.
It shouldn't be a case of James Cook or North Tees - all these vital beds are needed!