Twin babies can continue to experience the closeness they had in the womb now after birth thanks to the introduction of twin cots at University Hospital Galway's neonatal unit.
Funds donated by parents and members of the local community were used to buy the cots. Dr Johannes Letshwiti, a consultant neonatologist at the hospital, said the unit was "delighted" with its new purchase.
"For the babies who are suited to spending time in the twin cots, they can continue to experience the close proximity to their baby sister or brother that they had before birth."
About 15 per cent of all babies born at UHG spend time in the neonatal unit for a variety of reasons, he said. "On average there are 55 sets of twins born in the hospital every year. It is wonderful to have twin cots available as needed for the twins that spend time with us. On a few occasions so far we've had both twin cots in use at the same time.
"We are very grateful for the ongoing support of parents of babies who have used our service and our local community."
