Rebecca was barely halfway through her pregnancy when she unexpectedly went into labour.
On 13 May 2025 Rebecca, her partner Alan and their daughter Luna told their amazing story to the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB). Luna arrived safely after they received the right care in the right place at the right time.
Their story highlights how maternity units in our region are working together to improve outcomes for babies born too soon.
The British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) has introduced a series of evidence-based interventions designed to lead to better outcomes for babies born too soon. Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley (HIOTV) has worked in collaboration with NHS England and a regional network of NHS maternity and neonatal units to ensure these measures are used in everyday practice. Each of these proactive measures contributed to Luna’s safe arrival.
Katherine Edwards, HIOTV Director of Patient Safety and Clinical Improvement, said: “NHS staff are bringing their wide-ranging skills together to make sure that premature babies get the best possible start in life.”
Luna was born at 24 weeks and one day – and she weighed just 655 grammes – about the same as three apples. She is now thriving!
Luna is pictured outside the BOB ICB Board meeting with Rebecca and Alan, along with Rachael Corser, BOB ICB Chief Nursing Officer, and Eileen Dudley, our maternity/neonatal patient safety lead (right).
- Watch Luna’s amazing story in this short video – ‘From preterm birth to thriving baby’
- Read more about our regional preterm patient safety initiatives