Home Jaundice Care: Newborns Treated in Special Sleeping Bags

Royal Derby Hospital's maternity unit is now offering a groundbreaking service that allows newborns with jaundice to receive phototherapy treatment at home. The specialized "glow-worm" sleeping bag, a name affectionately given by a parent, provides therapeutic light treatment, eliminating the need for extended hospital stays for approximately six in 10 newborns affected by neonatal jaundice.

Shannon Bilson, a mother whose daughter Ivy benefited from the service, shared her positive experience. She expressed relief and empowerment at being able to administer care at home, allowing her family to bond and maintain a routine while Ivy received necessary treatment. This initiative is part of the hospital's neonatal jaundice clinic and virtual ward, which opened in November 2025.

The service aims to keep babies and families together, ensuring that parents feel informed and confident in managing phototherapy at home. Lead practitioner Angela Burden highlighted the effectiveness of the virtual ward, emphasizing the shared goal of prioritizing family unity. Support is available around the clock for the straightforward-to-use equipment, contributing to consistently positive feedback.