RNSH’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) came second in the most books read category in this year’s Little Readers Read-a-thon.

Parents at RNSH NICU read 188 books and documented more than 1800 minutes of reading time over the two week read-a-thon, finishing in second place out of 55 Australian and international hospitals. 

RNSH NICU Discharge Coordinator Carmel Pearsall has been organising the event at the NICU for the last four years and said year was an excellent result.

“I am so proud of all our parents in the NICU for getting involved,” she said. 

“Reading to your baby in the NICU provides bonding time, reduces some of the stress associated with being in the NICU and supports your baby’s brain development.”

Life’s Little Treasures Foundation run the read-a-thon over a two week period in September every year.