Newborn baby’s ‘hands turning blue’ in freezing Sheffield mother and baby unit

A woman has expressed her concerns over poor living conditions at Abbeyfield mother and baby unit in Sheffield that could put her premature baby at risk.
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Nicole Maclean, 23, said both her and her daughter have been living in "appalling conditions" where the wall in the bedroom is leaking from four different sides for the past month.

"This has resulted in me and my seven months premature baby sleeping and living in the bedroom with no space to move about.

"We also have to sleep on a mattress," she said.

'Home from hell' in Sheffield'Home from hell' in Sheffield
'Home from hell' in Sheffield
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Nicole, who is originally from Scotland and has moved to Parson Cross, said the problem has not been addressed despite several complaints to the social worker.

Based on some of the pictures she shared with The Star, water could be seen dripping from a cracked ceiling.

This, she said, has caused her daughter to have severe chest problems and constantly being cold.

A cracked ceiling in the bedroom. Picture by Nicole MacleanA cracked ceiling in the bedroom. Picture by Nicole Maclean
A cracked ceiling in the bedroom. Picture by Nicole Maclean

"She has to go to sleep with two covers on and mittens on her hands because her hands have turned blue at night with it being that cold," she said.

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Sheffield City Council, when contacted, said they are currently investigating the matter and will resolve the issues.

Carly Speechley, Director of Children and Families at Sheffield City Council said: “Our priority is always to make sure that mum and baby are safe and are living in suitable accommodation .

A crack can be seen at the bedroom window. Picture by Nicole MacleanA crack can be seen at the bedroom window. Picture by Nicole Maclean
A crack can be seen at the bedroom window. Picture by Nicole Maclean

"We are in regular contact with mum and visited the property yesterday and today to make sure that any health and safety concerns are addressed immediately.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.