Mum thanks West Herts Teaching Hospital as son born at 22 weeks defies three in 10 chance of survival

A Hertfordshire mum whose son was born at just 22 weeks, weighing only 440 grams, has praised West Herts Teaching Hospitals’ neonatal team for the lifesaving care they provided, and three years on, her son is making remarkable progress.

Born in 2023, Keion Ndobagala became the first baby born at 22 weeks to be cared for by Watford General’s neonatal team, following initial specialist neonatal care at St George’s Hospital and Luton & Dunstable University Hospital.

At 22 weeks, a baby’s lungs are not yet developed enough to breathe effectively or take oxygen in, and their organs remain very immature and fragile. Babies born this early have only a three in 10 chance of survival.

After about a month at St George’s Hospital and a further month at Luton Hospital, Keion was transferred to Watford General Hospital’s neonatal unit when he was 33 weeks.

Keion’s mum, Merveille Ndobagala, was worried about another change of team and whether those caring for him would understand his needs. But the team at Watford General provided round-the-clock specialist care for Keion and support for Merveille.

The team provided lifesaving treatment for Keion, treating a serious infection, supporting his breathing and giving him essential nutrients through a feeding tube. They also provided regular suctioning to clear mucus from his mouth, which he needed because of his extreme prematurity.

Caring for a baby that was born at 22 weeks was a new experience for the Watford neonatal team too. Dr Sankara Narayanan, Consultant Neonatologist, recalls: “I think Keion was the first baby born at 22 weeks to be cared for in our unit who survived to discharge. After receiving care at St George’s and Luton, when he came to us, it was a journey for our team too.”

Despite being born so early, Keion’s progress repeatedly surprised his clinicians. He reached key milestones, including his 100th day while in Watford’s neonatal unit. Merveille recalled seeing him open his eyes for the first time: “Luckily, I was right there to witness it with the nurse. When he opened his eyes, it was quite emotional, just to see him open his eyes for the first time.”

After Keion was discharged, his progress continued to surprise Dr Avinash Jinadatha, Consultant Neonatologist, and the team at follow-up appointments. Dr Jinadatha said: “Every time he came to the clinic, it was a surprise. Each time I saw him, it was a surprise. He has surprised all of us.”

His journey has involved much more than hospital treatment, with ongoing care at home and support from his mum, family and community teams. Dr Narayanan also credits Merveille’s contribution, the support of her family, her daily care at home and her faith for Keion’s progress, saying: “It’s more than just medicine, you know? There’s a lot of things there. That connection and bond between Merveille and Keion is incredible and that helped a lot.”

Throughout Keion’s care journey, Merveille received practical and emotional support from hospital staff, community teams, family, friends and colleagues. Doctors explained his care, while counselling gave her space to talk about her feelings. After discharge, Merveille’s mum and sister helped care for Keion, alongside community nurses and specialist teams.

With his mum by his side, Keion has reached a series of milestones throughout his care journey, including taking his first steps before his second birthday.

Now three years old, Keion is walking, recognising colours and shapes, and saying “Mum”. While he still needs support with feeding, speech and other ongoing needs, his progress has been remarkable.

Merveille said: “I would like to say thank you to every single doctor at St George’s, Luton and Watford. Absolutely amazing consultants and amazing junior doctors, even though I gave them a little bit of a hard time. I am grateful to them. I wouldn’t change anything at all.”

Keion’s remarkable progress is a testament to his family’s resilience and the neonatal teams who cared for him.