Two of the island’s best-known landmarks the Tower of Refuge in Douglas Bay and Pulrose Power Station were light up purple this week to mark World Prematurity Day.

The lighting was arranged by nurses at Noble’s Hospital to highlight issues surrounding prematurity and the extensive medical and support services available in the island for premature babies and their parents.

Dr Prakash Thiagarajan, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Noble’s Hospital said: ’Advances in medical science mean that babies born prematurely have a higher chance of survival than ever before, which is very reassuring to the parents of pre-term babies.

’We are fortunate to have very highly trained and qualified staff that provide high quality neonatal care and in addition support the families of our baby patients extremely well.

’Premature birth cannot always be prevented, but about half are a result of lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress or medical conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes.

’By making people aware of the risk factors and encouraging these to be discussed and managed during prenatal care, we hope to reduce the number of premature births.’

While the majority of premature babies will grow up healthy, they are at a great risk of developing learning and behavioural problems, having sensory and motor difficulties and are most susceptible to infections and respiratory diseases.’