How Zöe's Place can Help

Provision of Care for our Babies and their Families

If you are a parent who may need our help, please do not hesitate to contact Zöe's, it only takes a phone call, or e-mail the staff who are on duty 24 hours a day to take your call.

What Zöe's can offer Parents and Babies:
At Zoë's we do not have a set admission criteria, if your baby has special needs then we can help you. We do not have a fixed catchment area. We welcome babies and their families from all over the country.

When you contact Zöe's the Nurse in Charge will be happy to tell you about Zoë's and will answer any of your questions, they will then either send you our video and information to your home or you will be invited to visit us (please, feel free to bring your family with you).

We understand that this is a big step for all of our families, there is always an element of guilt, 'am I doing the right thing'? Remember you are not alone, all of our families feel these emotions (it's normal!). We are initially total strangers to you.

If you would like to use Zöe's, you tell us what you want for your baby, please always remember that you know your own baby best. Some of our parents initially ask to come in with their baby just for a few hours, then perhaps they ask for a day where they can leave their baby in our care. We are here to meet your needs. We hope that we will become friends. Eventually parents begin to leave their babies overnight or for a couple of nights stay. We realise that all Mums and Dads are anxious and we encourage you to phone as many times as you like, you can also pop in at anytime. We do have rooms that parents can stay in overnight.

There is no charge made to our parents, we ask that you bring in with you your babies own clothes, feeds, medicines and toiletries. This is explained to you when you contact us. We do ask you to fill in an 'All about Me Book' this lets you tell us all about your special baby. If we can get it right from day one, then we usually find that we have a happy baby.

PLEASE REMEMBER:
You as parents tell us what you would like for your baby, you are the experts. At Zöe's we have a one to one nursing care with the babies, so you can rest assured that your baby will have constant care. The staff at Zöe's consists of Registered Sick Children's Nurses, Registered General Nurses, Nursery Nurses and Care Assistants.

Palliative/Terminal Care

Sadly, we do loose some of our babies, at such times this affects all members of staff. Parents often approach us when they have been told that their little one has now been termed, 'terminally ill'. Each family has individual needs and every family will handle the situation differently. Sometimes a family will not want their baby to pass away in a hospital environment and it is not always appropriate due to family circumstances for their baby to pass away at home because of the effect if would have on other siblings.

At Zöe's we can care for a baby until such a time that they decide to leave us. The parents and family have total control, we listen to want they want for their baby. We like to think that when this sad time arises we give the baby the dignity and all the love that they deserve.

We are here for our parents, siblings, family and their friends. As I have said, this is the sadder aspect of our work and we are privileged that parents allow us to care for their babies.

PHILOSOPHY OF CARE
The hospice provides a care which reflects the belief that every child is special and that his/her family are entitled to personal and professional quality care and they will be treated with respect, dignity, privacy and honesty.

Each child is unique and this is reflected in the nursing care given regardless of race, creed, sex or colour.

Recognising that recovery is sometimes unobtainable, care and support is provided to ensure the rights of the child to a dignified and peaceful death with their family around them.

The hospice promotes an environment that fosters good communication, between members of staff and staff and parents and an understanding of the psychological needs of all involved in the care of children.

To find out more about fundraising for the Midlands Baby Hospice, contact Vicki:

Phone: 01926 834642

email: vicki@zoesplacemidlands.org.uk