Helping families stay together: Support for Neonatal Care at Home

With support from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, a new Neonatal Hospital at Home service has been launched at the Royal Hospital for Children, helping newborn babies with jaundice receive treatment safely and comfortably in their own homes.

The service supports eligible newborns to use BiliCocoons, specialist sleeping-bag-style phototherapy equipment, at home, with daily visits from a Neonatal Senior Nurse to monitor progress and check bilirubin levels, alongside telephone support for families.

This new service forms a key element of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s (NHSGGC) Virtual Hospital model and contributes to the Board’s Transforming Together programme, which focuses on delivering more care closer to home and reducing time spent in hospital where safe and appropriate. The project has benefited from over £38,000 in additional investment from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, provided through its innovation arm, Hi Scotland, alongside the charity-held NICU Fund. This support enabled the purchase of BiliCocoons, furniture and IT resources, helping bring hospital-level neonatal care into the home.

This recent funding builds on the charity’s investment in 2022 for BiliCocoon equipment within the neonatal unit, supporting parents to bond with their babies during jaundice treatment. Together, this reflects the charity’s continued commitment to innovative, family-centred care for Scotland’s smallest patients.

Since the service began in November 2025, 40 babies have received jaundice treatment at home, helping families avoid unnecessary hospital stays and remain together during those crucial early days.

“We give the babies the care they need, but we’re there for the parents too. Bringing a new baby home can feel overwhelming, and being able to support families in their own environment makes a real difference.”

Sandra Lowis, Neonatal Hospital at Home Senior Charge Nurse

Baby Cora was one of the first to benefit. Born three weeks early on Christmas Eve, she required light therapy for jaundice shortly after birth. After several hospital visits, her family was introduced to the Hospital at Home service.

“After an early birth and lots of back and forth for blood tests, it was exactly what we needed. Being able to relax at home and start our new life together made such a difference. The equipment was incredibly easy to use, and the support from the nurse was amazing. After just two days at home, Cora passed her blood test and she’s doing brilliantly now.”

Cora's mum, Alicia

Kayleigh Cunningham, Neonatal Hospital at Home Senior Nurse, added:

“Jaundice often develops after families have already gone home. Hospital at Home means babies can receive the treatment they need without disrupting that precious time when families are just settling in.”

Through its continued support for innovative neonatal care, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is proud to contribute to projects that help families spend less time in hospital and more time together at home.