If you drive past the Lismore Base Hospital during the night or you live nearby, you will notice the building is lit with purple lights this week.

Why?

Today is World Prematurity Day, a day to raise awareness of preterm birth and celebrate our little ones who arrive early into the world.

This year, to acknowledge babies born early and the health challenges they can face as they grow up, Lismore Base Hospital has turned purple.

At Lismore Base Hospital, around 60 percent of the babies admitted to Special Care Nursery are preterm, or born before 37 weeks.

(LBH Special Care Nursery Staff, from left Skye Shirley, Dr Ian Lennon, Nursing Unit Manager Jo Ezzy and Clare Lane. Photo: Supplied)

Nursing Unit Manager, Jo Ezzy leads a team of dedicated midwives and nurses who care for these most vulnerable patients.

“Premature babies do have a rough start, but thanks to medical science, technology and equipment they can have great health outcomes,” Ms Ezzy said.

“The generosity of the community through Our Kids, has meant that we’re able to provide the latest equipment and comfort to families and babies in Lismore, getting

them off to a great start."

“It’s lovely to celebrate World Prematurity Day and turn the hospital purple as our way of saying thanks.”

The Lismore Base Hospital will stay purple all this week.

(Alethea Scholl with her triplets Lucian, Kerrigan and Aurellia who were born at 30 weeks. They have been in the Special Care Nursery for several weeks. Photo:Supplied)

World Prematurity Day began in 2011 to help shine a light on the risk and hardships created by premature births and to show support and compassion for the families who

have experienced preterm birth throughout the world.

Every year, landmarks and iconic buildings around the world are lit up in purple to mark the occasion.

For more information about Our Kids, please call (02) 6620 2705.