Parents facing the challenge of caring for premature babies at the Great Western Hospital can breathe a little easier this winter, thanks to a thoughtful donation from Tesco.
In a bid to offer practical support during what can be an emotional and daunting period, Tesco has generously provided packs of F&F Premature Baby Essentials to the hospital’s neonatal unit.
These packs, equipped with sleepsuits, bodysuits, hats, and scratch mitts, aim to ease the burden on parents navigating the unexpected journey of premature birth. Partnering with the Salvation Army, Tesco ensures the smooth distribution of these essential clothing items.
Jan Marchant, Managing Director for Tesco’s Home & Clothing, expressed the significance of such donations, stating, “Premature babies are often unexpected, and it can be challenging to find suitable clothing at short notice.
“We are committed to offering practical assistance to parents at the Great Western Hospital during what can be a stressful period, ultimately providing these newborns with a stronger start in life.”
Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that approximately 7-10% of babies born in England and Wales arrive prematurely. With Tesco’s initiative spanning across 157 neonatal units nationwide, offering 23,000 packs of F&F Premature Baby Essentials, a significant proportion of premature babies and their families stand to benefit from this support.
NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, lauded Tesco’s efforts, highlighting the profound impact these clothing packs will have on thousands of families facing the challenges of premature birth. She expressed gratitude to Tesco and the Salvation Army for their collaborative efforts in providing much-needed assistance to NHS neonatal units.
Kirk Bradley, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Salvation Army, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of supporting vulnerable families during their time of need.
Tesco has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at supporting communities across the UK. From collecting toys during Christmas to providing essential winter coats,
Claire De Silva, Tesco Head of Communities, encapsulated the company’s ethos, stating, “Through our Stronger Starts programme, we’re empowering children to embark on life’s journey with confidence, whether it’s by providing their first baby grow or supporting their growth with nutritious food and activities in schools and community groups.”
