Helen, Clive, David and Sarah with baby Charles in the RBWH NICU

After more than a year of being locked down to visitors to keep patients safe from COVID-19, the RBWH Neonatology and Special Care Units have finally reopened to extended families. 

Siblings over the age of 16, grandparents, aunts and uncles are now invited back into the unit so they can meet their tiniest new family members and provide much-needed support to the parents. 

This meant that grandparents like Helen and Clive were finally able to visit their new grandson Charles during his stay in the unit while he grew strong enough to go home.  

This photo was taken of Helen and Clive’s first cuddle with Charles, alongside dad David and mum Sarah.  

Clive said, “It’s very special to be able to hold him. It’s so much better than just seeing photos.  

“This is what life is all about.” 

Mum, dad and bub are now home and happy to be spending lots of time together with their extended family.