Česky
We invite the general public to come along and join us in showing their support for babies who were born earlier than expected, and for their families.
Purple as a symbol of support
World Prematurity Day draws attention to the needs of the youngest patients and their families. The tradition began in 2008 on the initiative of the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI), and the colour purple has become a symbol of hope, strength and empathy.
Every year, hospitals, towns and major global landmarks join the initiative. The Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building and the Sydney Opera House, for example, are bathed in purple light. Hospital Hořovice will thus be part of a global wave of support for these tiny fighters.
In the Czech Republic, the non-profit organisation Nedoklubko has long been dedicated to supporting premature babies and their parents; it has been helping families and neonatal units since 2002. To mark World Prematurity Day, a Charity Evening and the 2026 Purple Heart Awards ceremony will also be held on 15 November. Among the nominees are two representatives from Hospital Hořovice – MUDr. Milena Dokoupilová, Chief physician of the Neonatal Unit, and Anna Tušková, DiS., a nurse in the same unit.
Caring for the smallest fighters
Since 2011, the Neonatal Department at Hospital Hořovice has included a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). An experienced team of physicians and nurses cares for babies born from the 30th week of pregnancy, as well as full-term newborns who require intensive care after birth.
Alongside modern equipment, an individualised approach and support for parents are also key aspects of the care provided. The presence of mum and dad is, in fact, extremely important for babies in the first few days of life.
“Being born prematurely is challenging for both the baby and their parents. We strive to provide the best possible care for the children and to support their parents at every moment. Their small steps of progress and the moments when we see how well they are doing bring great joy to us all. That is also why we are delighted to join this global initiative and express our support for all premature babies and their families,” says MUDr. Milena Dokoupilová, chief physician of the Neonatal Unit.
Come along to see and support the littlest ones
The hospital’s purple lighting is not only a symbol of support for premature babies, but also a thank you to all the healthcare professionals who look after them with care and dedication every day.
We invite you to Hospital Hořovice on Sunday 15 November from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm, when the building will be illuminated in purple. Come and have a look, and join us. Together, we can show our support for families who have experienced premature birth, and remind everyone that even the tiniest fighters deserve our full attention and care.
