The neonatal unit is on level 2 of the Ladywell Unit within the children’s ward Caroline Thorpe. The unit is accessed by 2 security doors to which you will be asked to press the bell and identify yourself.

There is lift access available.

Your baby will have a named nurse for the day which will be highlighted on the board above your baby. Other nurses on duty will be happy to answer any questions or concerns. There will be a Doctors ward round each day.

Any concerns should be highlighted to the nurse in charge of the unit for the day and this can be escalated if necessary. You can also contact PALS for information or concerns.

There is no particular time for ward rounds but staff can arrange for you to speak to a doctor if you require.

We encourage parents to be involved in all decisions about their babies care and will conduct a bedside nursing handover (07.30 and 19.30) where parents can discuss their babies care.

We encourage parents to be with their babies as much as possible as we realise this is a very special time for families and such a cruicial time for bonding. We encourage you to stay with your baby in special care areas. If you would like to stay with your baby please speak to your nurse and we will try and arrange this where possible. 'Z-Beds' available dependant on occupancy.

An overnight stay room is available for parents to use. This may be for breastfeeding, for staying and learning to care for your baby before going home, or just somewhere to have some time away from the unit. This room has ensuite facilities, television/DVD available and is lockable. Meals available for resident parent/carer.

In addition to the overnight stay room, a quiet room with toys for siblings is available for parents to use. This may be for breast feeding/expressing, family time, sibling play, waiting whilst your baby has a procedure, visitor overflow, education or just somewhere to have some time away from the unit.

There is a small kitchen area where drinks can be prepared at the entrance to the ward. The small kitchen area in the parent's room may be used if you want to bring your own food. There is a small fridge for you to store your food and a mircowave.

We encourage parents to be with their baby as much as possible and therefore have a comfortable reclining chair in each speace as well as a breast pump if required.

We are currently working towards Unicef Baby Friendly accrediation which means that all of our nurses are trained to provide you with the best breastfeeding support. We also have an Infant Feeding co-ordinator who can offer support if required.

We have an overnight stay room and quiet room which can be used if you prefer to express away from your baby. We additionally have breast pumps you can take home if you are discharged.

We have a quiet room that is available for expressing, parent information, private "family time out and play" or for waiting whilst your baby has a procedure.

We have books, crayons and toys on the unit which can be used by siblings. We also have a playroom which is located on the children's ward which siblings can make use of. Children need to be supervised whilst using the playroom.