17/11/2025
Today is World Prematurity Day. Hear from Sarah Critchley, Chief Executive of BIBS (Babies In Buscot Support) who we are lucky to have supporting our tiniest patients and their families at the Trust.
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Hi I’m Sarah and we’re proud to be the Trust’s “Partner Charity”, working alongside the Royal Berks Charity. We are parent-led and care deeply about the families that follow in our footsteps. We support the babies, families and staff of Buscot Neonatal Unit and Transitional Care in maternity.
Founded 38 years ago, we connect experienced parents with those whose babies are receiving neonatal care, showing them the 'light at the end of the tunnel' and providing special touches to help families feel cared for and hopeful.
Around 10% of local newborns need neonatal care and we aim to equip staff with top resources, training, and facilities to maintain high-quality care. We are guided by a single mission: keeping Buscot families S.A.F.E.
S is for Support: BIBS’ Family Support Worker offers emotional and practical help to families on the ward and after discharge. We also pay for an online diary service allowing families to follow their baby's progress when they can’t be cotside, and private therapy for parents with the greatest mental health needs.
A is for Awareness: We promote awareness through our website, social media, and community outreach. We provide resources for families to help navigate their Buscot journey, and fund training for NHS staff.
F is for Facilities: We provide Family Rooms, and Parent Flats and some comforts for staff including a new sofa for the staff room one Christmas.
E is for Equipment: BIBS have funded numerous essential items such as incubators, ventilators, cardiac monitors, phototherapy, cerebral function monitors, and hospital-grade breast pumps.
My own Buscot “baby” is now a teenager, and after a decade leading BIBS, I see how much we've evolved. Our small but mighty team makes a lifelong impact for 100s of babies and their families each year, including a recent milestone - raising over £1million in the last decade alone. As we mark World Prematurity Day we look to the future as determined as ever.
