WAITING an extra 60 seconds before cutting the umbilical chord can slash premature babies’ chances of suffering brain bleeds and gut problems, Swindon doctors say.

Clinicians at the Great Western Hospital are at the forefront of offering the simple procedure. 

Now, 90 per cent of babies born prematurely in Swindon benefit from the treatment. 

Doctors say that waiting a minute before cutting the chord that connects baby and mother can reduce future health problems – including bleeds on the brain and gut complaints.

The new procedure is one of ten developed as part of a year-long improvement drive at the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). 

The project – aimed at improving the quality of care on the unit – has also resulted in mothers being able to feed their babies a lot sooner. 

This time last year, premature babies were waiting more than a day to get their first taste of their mother’s milk. The donation of a state-of-the-art breast pump by neonatal charity New Life, has helped slash milk waiting times to just a few hours after the baby is born.

SCBU chief Dr Sarah Bates said: "Having a premature baby is one of the most testing experiences a parent can go through, but families coming here should feel reassured by the work that's happened over the last 12 months.

"Not only have we increased delayed cord clamping from 15 per cent of births to 88 per cent, we've seen really encouraging results in other important areas, such as new-born nutrition.

"It's a clear indication that our teams are doing everything they can to ensure all babies receive the best possible start to life."

The consultant paediatrician and neonatologist added: "I am so proud of the entire team of midwives, doctors, nurses and pharmacists, who all volunteered for this project because of their incredible passion for supporting premature babies at the time when they need it most.

"We set out with a very specific aim of what we wanted to achieve and I am just amazed by what has happened in just one year.”

Last month, the hospital's wider maternity services received stellar reviews from new mums. More than 140 Swindon women responded to watchdog the Care Quality Commission's maternity services survey.

Mums giving birth at GWH praised the way staff had talked them through the process and how their partners were allowed to be involved in the delivery. 

Christina Rattigan, head of midwifery, said: "We are really pleased with the results and it is heartening for staff to get positive feedback."