Special Care Baby Unit Parents Association

What is SCBUPA?

SCBUPA (Special Care Baby Unit Parents' Association) was set up in 2002 by a group of parents whose children had spent time in Special Care. The idea behind the group was to provide practical help and support for other parents in the same situation both before and after they leave the Unit. Membership is free.

What can SCBUPA do for me?

When you are on the Unit

We know from our own experiences that it sometimes helps to talk to someone who isn't a nurse or a doctor. SCBUPA can try to put you in touch with the parents of an older child who has been on the unit with a similar condition or problem as your child. We are a small group at the moment, but we would hope to be able to arrange for another parent to drop in to visit you for a coffee and a chat or to take parents (especially those not from Bristol) out for a shopping trip or just out of the Unit!

To contact SCBUPA on the Unit, speak to Gill or one of the nurses

 

When you go home

Going home with a baby from Special Care can be a daunting prospect. If your baby was early, you may not have met any other new parents in your area. If your baby has been in the Unit for a long time or has special problems, you can feel a bit isolated from other parents. We can put you in touch with other parents in your area or locally for an opportunity to meet up or for a coffee morning or other event. We can also try to put you in touch with parents of babies or children with similar conditions or needs as your own. We hope to have a newsletter to keep you in touch with what is happening.

To contact SCBUPA when you go home, speak to the Community Team or 'phone the Unit on 0117 928 5275 and leave a message for Melissa Britton at SCBUPA. You can also contact us by writing to Melissa Britton, SCBUPA, NICU, St. Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol BS2 8EG or by email at scbupa@hotmail.com

 

What can I do for SCBUPA?

We also need parents of older babies to help us supporting other parents and helping with fundraising and events. 10 minutes or 2 hours, it all counts.