A new and improved neonatal unit will improve the experiences of babies and parents, a hospital has said.
Sunderland Royal Hospital spent millions of pounds in charitable donations revamping its neonatal unit and providing new accommodation for parents to stay with their child.
Sunderland AFC player Luke O'Nien opened the unit at the hospital where both his children were born.
He said the hospital team gave families a "really good start to life".
During his visit he met new parents Terri and Dalton Hodgen, whose son Jax was born prematurely.
"Seeing him smile, seeing the baby happy and healthy is the most important thing and it’s down to these guys [in the unit] and the wonderful service they provide here - how homely they’ve made it," O'Nien said.