These advanced incubators—funded by the incredible generosity of three local charities: Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS), New Life Special Care Babies, and Royal Berks Charity—will offer the very best in neonatal care, ensuring the hospital’s smallest patients receive the warmth, stability, and medical support they need to thrive.
Together, these charities have raised an incredible £94,860, enabling Buscot Ward’s special care baby unit to introduce state-of-the-art equipment designed to create the safest possible environment for fragile newborns. These high-tech incubators come with features that directly improve the care and comfort of each baby, including:
✨ A tilting mattress platform for improved positioning, ensuring optimal medical support.
✨ A built-in phototherapy unit to treat jaundice without the need for additional equipment.
✨ An external x-ray cassette tray that allows imaging without disrupting the baby’s temperature stability.
✨ A specialised air curtain that helps maintain warmth, even when care teams access the incubator.
These innovations are crucial for the hospital’s tiniest patients, helping to protect their delicate bodies while minimising stress and promoting healthy development in their earliest days.
A Community Coming Together for Tiny Lives
The impact of these incubators is only possible thanks to the unwavering dedication of the local community and the incredible fundraising efforts of these three charities.
Sarah Critchley, Chief Executive of BIBS, expressed her gratitude:
“We are overjoyed to have funded two of the four incubators. This new technology is already making a real difference for babies receiving the dedicated care of our wonderful NHS team here on Buscot Ward. By working alongside New Life and the Royal Berks Charity, we’ve been able to achieve so much more together – a real success story! A huge thank you to everyone who fundraised for our Incubator Appeals, including our amazing Reading Half Marathon teams!”
Trevor Goodall, Founder and Chief Executive of New Life, echoed the sentiment:
“At New Life, we love nothing more than seeing our fundraising efforts come to life in such a meaningful way. These incubators will change lives, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports us in making this possible.”
Jo Warrior, Director of Royal Berks Charity, highlighted the ongoing need for support:
“Hundreds of babies rely on the care of Buscot Ward each year, and we are thrilled to have been able to fund one of these incubators thanks to our wonderful supporters. This equipment will enhance treatment and improve outcomes for newborns who need intensive medical care.”
Walk for Wards: Stepping Up for Tiny Lives
Our incredible Walk for Wards event in September 2024 played a vital role in raising funds for these incubators. Hundreds of supporters laced up their walking shoes and took on the challenge to support the Royal Berks Charity. Their dedication and generosity contributed to making this life-changing equipment a reality.
To everyone who walked, donated, and supported the event—thank you! Your steps have helped give vulnerable newborns the best possible start in life.
Giving Babies the Best Possible Start
For the hospital’s neonatal team, these new incubators mark an important step forward. Rachel Whiteland, Directorate Manager for Paediatrics and Neonates, said:
“This investment reflects our commitment to providing exceptional neonatal care. We are incredibly grateful to BIBS, New Life, and Royal Berks Charity for their support in helping us care for our smallest and most vulnerable patients.”
Thanks to the generosity of the community and the tireless work of these charities, more babies at Royal Berkshire Hospital will have the chance to grow stronger, thrive, and go home to their families.