Prematurity Day at the WUM | Medical University of Warsaw

A group of people in a hospital corridor. Some of them are children. They are all smiling.A group of people in a hospital corridor. Some of them are children. They are all smiling.

November 17 is the World Prematurity Day. Every year, WUM neonatology departments join in to celebrate their little warrior-patients. But November 17 is also a day to celebrate the staff of those departments, and their commitment to serve their little patients every day.

The dynamically growing neonatology at WUM hospitals is effective at treating and supporting even the babies at the threshold of survival, so little that they fit in one’s hand and weigh the same as a teddy bear.

World Prematurity Day at the WUM

Purple – the color symbolizing premature babies – as well as laughter and emotion dominated at the Department of Neonatology and Rare Diseases, WUM UCC, the Department of Neonatology at the WUM University Center for Women’s and Newborn Health, and the WUM Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care in Karowa.

The laughter of children who had gotten a chance to live thanks to the work of our teams reverberated everywhere. And so did the words of thanks from the little ones’ parents.

“From the very first seconds of their lives, our youngest patients prove that you can push the limits almost every day,” said Professor Bożena Kociszewska-Najman, director of the Department of Neonatology and Rare Diseases, WUM UCC, visibly emotional during the official inauguration of the Prematurity Day at the clinic.

Apart from children and their parents, the celebrations also attracted other guests. The hospital in Karowa welcomed Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, PhD, Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Policy, as well as MP Aleksandra Leo. The Department of Neonatology and Rare Diseases, WUM UCC, welcomed Aleksandra Gajewska, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy. Also present was the Rector of the WUM, Professor Rafał Krenke.

“In our departments, technology, expertise, and the skills of the medical staff meet great sensitivity, kindness, and empathy. All this to save the youngest children, who despite being helpless, still have a great strength, the power to live and grow,” he said. And he added that our university would support all initiatives to improve the lives of the little patients.

During all the celebrations, many warm words were addressed to the parents of premature babies, emphasizing their steadfastness and ability to find the strength to support their children despite fear and anxiety.

About our Departments

The Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care at the Duchess Anna Mazowiecka Clinical Hospital is the larger of the two establishments specialized in caring for newborns with low (under 1500 grams) and extremely low birth weight, even those weighing 600 or 700 g.

The Department of Neonatology and Rare Diseases, WUM UCC, is at the third referral level for neonatal care. It treats premature newborns, including those with extremely low birth weight, i.e. below 1000 g, as well as full-term newborns with respiratory failure, infections, congenital defects, conditions that require surgery or are otherwise life-threatening.

The Neonatology Department at the University Center for Women’s and Newborn Health is at the third referral level. It cooperates with many highly qualified specialists in various fields of medicine, including ophthalmology, cardiology, radiology, pediatric surgery, endocrinology, orthopedics, physiotherapy, and neurology.

White socks hanging on a string. Among them is one purple sock.

Purple cake with white lettering that reads “Premature babies have power.”

Four people, the rector and three women. They are standing in a hospital corridor. The rector is speaking. The women are smiling.

A woman in a white doctor's coat is standing and speaking. She is holding an open briefcase in her hands. In the background, a man with a camera can be seen. Behind them is a multimedia screen.

A young woman speaks into a microphone. She is holding a white briefcase in her hand. Behind her, a multimedia screen can be seen.

An elegantly dressed man, the rector of the Medical University of Warsaw, speaks into a microphone. In the background, there is a multimedia screen and a purple balloon.

Four people are standing in a room with a light-colored wall decorated with purple balloons. One person is holding a small child in their arms. The person in the red sweater is talking to a reporter in a red sweater and light-colored pants, who is holding a microphone. On the left, you can see a camera and a cameraman. In the background, there are two baby strollers.

The table is covered with a purple tablecloth. On it are trays with small desserts in purple, white, and gold.

A group of people, mostly dressed in purple shirts, in a hospital room. The room is lit up in purple.

A group of people posing for a photo. Everyone is smiling. Behind them, you can see purple balloons, and there are colorful drawings on the walls.

A group of people posing for a photo. In the background, behind them, you can see white and purple balloons and a ribbon with the words “Premature Baby Day.”

A group of people, adults and children, dressed in colorful clothes, are celebrating in a large, bright room. There are purple balloons around them, and drawings on the walls.