How Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club Funds Life-Saving Newborn Equipment at Lister Hospital

Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club Helps Deliver Life-Saving Equipment to Lister Hospital Neonatal Unit

By A Joseph  WGC Rotary Club Communications Team 

A Milestone for Neonatal Care

On Monday evening, representatives from the Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City proudly joined fellow local Rotary clubs and hospital staff at The Lister Hospital in Stevenage. The occasion marked the official handover of a state-of-the-art, £26k Newborn Baby Simulator to the hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

Our Joint Club President, Andrew Forrow, and Club Secretary, Amanda Joseph, were both in attendance to support the presentation and witness first-hand the incredible clinical technology that local fundraising has secured.

Reflecting on the lifelike quality of the simulator, President Andrew shared his thoughts:

"That pre-term baby is SO life-like, it is AMAZING. Just imagining the impact for families with a threatened little baby. We have to think how we support the second phase of 'Better Beginnings for Babies' in the coming year!"

Aligning with Rotary’s Areas of Focus

This vital project ties in beautifully with one of Rotary International’s seven core Areas of Focus. Because July is Maternal and Child Health Month, there is no more fitting way to celebrate than by investing in medical equipment that directly protects and cares for vulnerable mothers and their newborns right here in Hertfordshire.

The advanced training simulator will allow clinical teams—including neonatal doctors, nurses, and midwives—to practise delicate emergency procedures, such as intubations on premature infants, in a safe, simulated environment before treating real patients.

How Local Community Events Make a Difference

This project perfectly demonstrates how the support of Welwyn Garden City residents translates directly into life-saving local action. When the initial appeal was sent out to regional clubs by organizers Sue Watkinson and Bob Harris, our Club Council immediately voted to respond with a £500 donation.

These funds are made entirely trackable to the generosity of our local supporters. It is through the money raised at our key community events—such as Jazz on the Island, Open Gardens, Santa Paws, and our popular Quiz Nights—that we are able to back major, impactful healthcare initiatives like this one.

Looking Ahead: Better Beginnings for Babies Phase 2

While Monday's handover marks the successful completion of Phase 1 of the campaign (coordinated alongside the East & North Herts Hospitals Charity), the work does not stop here.

Phase 2 of the "Better Beginnings for Babies" initiative is already underway. Fundraising is now shifting focus toward purchasing a Portable Ultrasound Scanner for The Lister Hospital’s Maternity Unit. This equipment will provide crucial, additional diagnostic scans for expectant mothers who have a history of recurrent miscarriages.

Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club looks forward to exploring how we can continue to support this vital campaign in the months ahead.

Want to get involved in our local charity work or attend our next community event? Explore our website to find out how you can join us in putting Service Above Self.