Hospitals are amazing now with what they can do. My niece was born at 31 weeks, and is now a happy and healthy 18 month old. You would never tell she was prem, and has no asthma or anything so far. Touch wood!
I hope your friend copes OK - its such a tough road, with days and days spent at hospital. Help out wherever you can - do their washing, cook them some easy meals for the freezer, go and visit when you can. All of these things make a real difference for them.
The last thing they want to worry about when they are at home is housework and the dishes!