Creating space for breastfeeding staff across Nottingham’s hospitals
Posted on: 26 May 2026
Grant funded: Reclining chairs for two new staff expressing rooms
The challenge
Many staff returning from maternity leave found it difficult to continue breastfeeding while working at Nottingham’s hospitals. Without a designated space, some had to express milk in toilets, shared staff rooms, or other unsuitable environments - often leaving them feeling uncomfortable, unsupported and unable to continue their feeding journey. There was a growing need for safe, private, 24/7 spaces where staff could express and store breast milk with dignity.
What the grant funded
The project was delivered in collaboration with the Capital Estates team and the NUH Women’s Network.
Through charitable donations, Nottingham Hospitals Charity helped fund two reclining chairs for newly created staff expressing rooms at Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital.
These rooms provide:
A private, dedicated space for expressing milk
Secure storage for breast milk during shifts
Comfortable, calming seating that supports physical and emotional wellbeing
24/7 access for staff across both hospital sites
Measurable outcomes
These new spaces have already contributed to:
Improved staff wellbeing, especially for those returning from maternity leave
Greater dignity and privacy for staff expressing at work
A more inclusive working environment, aligned with staff support priorities
Better continuity of breastfeeding, supporting health benefits for both parent and child
Increased awareness across the Trust of the importance of suitable expressing facilities m
Staff reflections...
Jenny Good, staff wellbeing lead, shared:
“I am so delighted that we have been able to create these much-needed spaces for staff, so they can continue their feeding journey whilst returning to work. A special thanks to the Capital Estates team, the Women’s Network and NUH Charity who have made this possible.”
Katie Jones, NUH infant feeding lead, added:
“NUH’s commitment to supporting staff returning from maternity leave to continue breastfeeding by providing a private, comfortable space for them to express and store their milk is a real positive.
“Breastfeeding has extensive health benefits for both mother and child… and helps parents meet their feeding goals.”
While these rooms primarily support staff, the impact extends far wider:
- Staff returning from maternity leave feel valued, supported and included, improving retention and wellbeing.
- Dedicated spaces reduce anxiety and stress, enabling staff to continue breastfeeding - supporting better long-term health outcomes.
- A more supportive working culture ultimately benefits patient care, as staff feel more settled and better able to focus.
- This small but meaningful investment provides long-term benefit to a significant number of colleagues across both hospital sites.
Thanks to charitable donations and strong collaboration, these expressing rooms will continue to make a difference for years to come - supporting those who support others every day.
Creating space for breastfeeding staff across Nottingham’s hospitals
We've collaborated with the Capital Estates team and NUH Women’s Network to create two brand new Staff Expressing Rooms at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Read more