A Sutton mum has helped raise the issues facing premature babies by meeting with her MP.

Rosalind Brookman, from Sutton, met with MP Paul Burstow, to discuss the issues facing babies in Surrey, who are in need of specialist hospital care.

In 2010, Ms Brookman’s son Theo was born at 31 weeks, weighing just 4lb 3oz. As his birth happened quickly, she was unable to have the steroid injection needed to help Theo’s lungs develop.

As a result Theo was born with severe respiratory distress, jaundice and was put on a ventilator for a short time, before recovering well.

Ms Brookman presented Mr Burstow with the 2010 report from baby charity Bliss, which highlights the on-going issues faced by neonatal care staff.

She told Mr Burstow the main points of her concern, and asked him to write to Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to ensure funding in this area would not be disrupted, as changes are made in the NHS.

She said: “Meeting with Paul Burstow MP was really encouraging. I felt that he understood the issues I raised with him and seemed sincere about taking them forward on my behalf. I am looking forward to hearing what progress he has made.”

Bliss Campaigns and Policy Manager Helen Kirrane said: “We are really grateful to have the support of Rosalind, to help raise awareness of the issues at a local level.

"Around 80,000 babies are born each year in the UK needing specialist hospital care and we want to ensure they receive the care they need and deserve.”