Pregnancy Complications
Infant- and Family-Centered Developmental Care
Respiratory Infections
Neonatal Eye Health
Hygiene
Rare Diseases
A major milestone in neonatal healthcare was reached this month with the opening of the newly expanded neonatal unit at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL). This state-of-the-art facility promises to transform the care of preterm and critically ill newborns across Ireland’s Mid-West region.
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Professor Roy Philip, Clinical lead of the project, the medical, nursing, allied health and management team at UMHL, and the support of Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), this project brings a powerful vision of equitable, family-centered neonatal care to life.
The upgraded unit features 24 new cots, including six with intensive care capabilities and eight for high-dependency care, through a unique ‘blended design’ concept. Importantly, the new spaces were designed with both babies and families in mind.
One standout feature is the inclusion of selected individual rooms for parents to stay overnight with their babies, a first in this region. This setup reflects global best practices that emphasize the importance of bonding, parental involvement, skin-to-skin, breastfeeding, and mental health support during what is often a deeply emotional journey.
According to the HSE, “This critical care extension marks a milestone in the delivery of neonatal services in the Mid-West and has been designed to meet international standards for intensive care provision.”
To mark the opening, Silke Mader, Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the Global Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (GFCNI), visited the new facility. During her tour, she met with staff and parents and expressed admiration for the unit’s innovative design and deep commitment to family-centered care. Her presence underscored GFCNI’s commitment to supporting innovative, family-centered care worldwide.
“It’s wonderful to see such a strong focus on family-centered and family-integrated care in this beautifully rebuilt unit,” Mader said. “I’m also deeply impressed by the warm atmosphere and how parents here truly feel like the main caregivers and valued members of the care team.”
The Limerick unit’s focus on dignity, parental involvement, and privacy aligns with GFCNI’s global mission to ensure that every baby receives the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
With around 4,000 babies born each year at UMHL – and more than 700 requiring neonatal support – the need for this expansion has long been clear. The renovation, funded by HSE and developed by HSE Estates, and supported by charitable donations, represents a significant investment in Ireland’s neonatal future.
The unit also includes smart monitoring systems, improved lighting, and climate control to provide optimal conditions for fragile newborns. Specialized equipment and modern design work together to ensure safety, comfort, and a better start in life.
In a Facebook video shared by the HSE, Professor Roy Philip, Consultant Neonatologist, described the development as “a long journey, a dream come true, and a significant achievement for our staff, families, and the babies.” He added, “Now, we have an environment that is suitable for parents to stay with their babies, and we’re very proud of that.”
At GFCNI, we celebrate this as more than a local achievement. It’s a beacon of what’s possible when clinical excellence meets compassionate, family-integrated care. The UMHL project sets a powerful example that resonates far beyond Ireland.
We extend our sincere thanks to Professor Roy Philip, the incredible staff at University Maternity Hospital Limerick, and the HSE for their collaborative spirit and bold leadership. This inspiring project shows what is possible when health systems invest not only in advanced care, but also in families.
Let this achievement remind us: progress happens when we work together – across systems, sectors, and borders – to put families first.
GFCNI is the first global organization and network to unite patients, families, healthcare professionals,
medical staff, and scientists from different disciplines, fields,
and countries – all with the joint goal of advancing the health and quality of care for newborns and their families across the globe.
GFCNI is a non-profit organization established under German public law. Tax Reference Number: 143/235/22619
GFCNI
Hofmannstr 7a
Munich
Germany
© 2025 GFCNI. All Rights Reserved.
