Harley Stenner and Steve Smith are still celebrating the arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Pixie, who was born on 26 April 2024 at George Eliot Hospital, weighing an impressive 11lb 3oz. However, Pixie’s early arrival, three weeks before her due date, meant she needed extra care in her first few days.
Harley, who manages her diabetes with medication, gave birth to Pixie, who was found to have diabetic blood at birth. As a result, she spent eight days in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at George Eliot Hospital, where she was closely monitored to ensure she could regulate her blood independently.
During this anxious time, Harley and Steve were able to stay with their daughter around the clock thanks to the hospital’s dedicated family room. The couple praised the SCBU nurses, describing them as ‘amazing’ for their care, guidance, and support. The staff not only provided reassurance but also trained Harley and Steve to tube-feed Pixie, enabling them to take her home after her stay in SCBU.
Grateful for the exceptional care their daughter received, Harley and Steve wanted to give back. They organised a quiz night at their local pub, The Coniston Tavern, Nuneaton featuring a raffle and tombola, and successfully raised an incredible £1,045 in support of the George Eliot Hospital Charity – SCBU Neonatal Vein Finder Campaign.
Steve said, “We were really impressed with the care we received, and who knows we may need it again in the future!” Sanjay Jagatia, Fundraising Manager of the George Eliot Hospital Charity said “we are currently working to raise £7,000 for the Neonatal Vein Finder Campaign. This vital equipment will help healthcare professionals find veins in babies more quickly and accurately, reducing discomfort for newborns and easing stress for parents. Thanks to the generosity and determination of new parents like Harley and Steve, SCBU is a step closer to reaching its goal, ensuring future newborns receive the best possible care”.
