Following an extensive and long-drawn campaign to recruit more specialist nurses to the neonatal unit at South West Acute Hospital, two nurses new in the role have spoken about what they have gained since taking on their new role.

One of those who took on a role is Bronagh Hanna, whom has been able further her training and education through a course at Queen's University Belfast. Commenting on her taking up her new post as Neonatal Nurse at the South West Acute Hospital, Bronagh said: I recently took up post in the Neonatal Unit at the South West Acute Hospital, having previously worked in the Emergency Department at Craigavon. It is great to be closer to home.

"Neonatal is a completely new setting for me as I’m used to more sick kids rather than tiny babies but my new colleagues in SWAH have been so welcoming over the last week. I am working my way around meeting everyone but they have been so welcoming and they have provided lots of training.”

Bronagh continued: "When I started in SWAH they gave me the opportunity to undertake a Neonatal course in Queen’s starting this month. In this course I will learn how to manage neonatal babies, but I will also be learning about breastfeeding and working alongside parents. Parents are a big part of working in neonatal as you have to teach them about how to care for their baby and it’s mostly just reassuring them."

She added: "The Neonatal Unit at South West Acute Hospital is a lovely place to work if you’re thinking of joining us.”

Another nurse to recently join the Neonatal Unit at South West Acute Hospital is Barbara Palmer.

Barbara explained: “I have recently joined the Neonatal Unit in the South West Acute Hospital as a Bank Nurse having taken early retirement and I think this is just a wonderful opportunity to continue to nurse in a lovely calm, nurturing environment for the babies and their families. SWAH is a wonderful hospital with great facilities and the team here are so welcoming. They welcome people who are newly qualified who are going to learn new skills and also people like me who have a lot of experience.

“I just can’t recommend it highly enough. If you are thinking about joining the team at SWAH and you want to continue nursing this is a great place to come.”

However, The Western Trust are still seeking nurses to fill the roles, a Western Trust spokesperson said: "Extensive recruitment efforts have been ongoing over many months to secure Band 5, 6 and 7 posts. We wish to advise that we have been successful in the recruitment of a Band 7 post and a number of Band 5 posts. Advertising for the Band 6 posts continue and more widespread radio ads have been developed to try and attract staff from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland."