The Neonatal unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has treated thousands of sick and premature babies since it opened in 1968. When the unit first opened it employed just one specialist consultant and had only basic incubator equipment. Now it has facilities to care for around 600-700 babies each year and employs seven neonatologists to care for the babies. 

Professor James Barbour, chief executive of NHS Lothian, credited the unit’s transformation to the hard work of the staff over its forty year history. 

He said: "We are delighted to be celebrating 40 years of neonatology in Lothian. The Special Care Baby Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has treated thousands of babies over the years, and will continue to do so for many more. 

"The provision of such vital care would not have been possible without the hard work of the staff in the unit since it opened 40 years ago, and these efforts have seen a dramatic transformation in skills and techniques since then." 

Dr Ian Laing, consultant neonatologist in the Neonatal Unit, said working with the parents of fragile babies was a “rewarding experience.” 

He continued: "I am very privileged to be part of the team looking after these fragile babies. I admire the courage of the parents who join us in providing the care needed. After many weeks of hard work, seeing a mother taking her baby home is the most rewarding experience. 

"It is always a pleasure when the families return to visit us in the Unit, and we have the joy of seeing the babies grow into happy children".