MUMS separated from their newborn babies because they are poorly can be connected via live streaming thanks to the gift of a tablet set from a charity for bereaved parents.

The charity 4Louis presented an iPad set to the University Hospital of North Durham for mums and children needing care on different wards, such as the neonatal unit, to be connected.

The charity provides invaluable support for families suffering bereavement through stillbirth or neonatal death.

Trustee Bob McGurrell said: “We are happy to fund this project as we fully support anything that can make parents' experiences easier especially when their babies are sick and they cannot be with them.

“Being able to see their babies helps new mothers bond with them and feel fully involved in their care.

“It can also improve success with breastfeeding and expressing while apart.”

A monitor and stand was bought with money raised by charity patron Kelly Kyle, of Durham, doing various charity running events, including the Great North Run this year.

Another iPad set was presented to the Darlington Memorial Hospital following a charity night organised by Kim Lowes.

Mr McGurrell said: “In 1992 our son Robbie was born and while in labour, my wife Tracey suffered a prolapsed cord. “This meant immediate action and an emergency C section. “Robbie was whisked away to NICU whilst my wife was taken to recovery.

“Her first sight of Robbie was a polaroid picture. To be able to have had the use of the ipad carts would have been invaluable. I think this facility will mend many hearts and help parents who are having a difficult time after their traumatic births”.