Hortons’ chooses charity of the year 2022

Hortons’ Estate Limited has announced its charity of the year for 2022 as it furthers its commitment to local and national good causes.

The independent property company has chosen the Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity as its recipient charity.

All funds raised by Hortons’ during 2022 will be donated via the charity to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Recognised as a centre of excellence for neonatal services, the unit delivers care to babies born prematurely, with low birth weight or who have a medical condition that requires specialist treatment.

Intensive care is provided to premature babies born as early as 23 weeks, and babies diagnosed with a heart or other problem requiring surgery which is diagnosed during pregnancy. Term babies who become ill during or shortly after birth are also treated on the unit.

As part of the Southern West Midlands Newborn Network, the unit ensures that babies receive the right care, in the right place, as close to home as possible.

Hortons’ has already raised £4,000 for the NICU through personal donations and corporate match funding during its annual general meeting held at The Grand Hotel last month.

The company will host several other fundraising initiatives on behalf of the NICU in the coming months, including its annual Christmas challenge, which last year raised more than £8,000 for The Hospice Charity Partnership.

Jane Phillips of Hortons’ said: “We know that neonatal intensive care is highly specialised and can only be provided in a small number of hospitals. As a result, the capacity for this level of care is extremely limited. We are delighted to be working with Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity to provide financial support for the amazing teams within our local NICU. We hope it will enable many more babies and their families to receive world class care and services during incredibly difficult times.”

Dearbhla Craddock, corporate partnership officer at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity is passionate about improving patient experience for all the women, babies and families at the hospital. Thanks to its kind and generous supporters, it strives to provide patients with a service over and above what the hospital alone can deliver.

“This includes welfare services to support patients through difficult times and conversations, the purchase of innovative equipment, helping to make processes more efficient and enhance patient experiences, funding research and development of cures, treatments and new technology, and building and refurbishment to keep the hospital appealing, current and cared for.”