Unit Information

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 a doctors ward round each day but if you would like to speak to a doctor about your baby’s condition then staff can arrange this for you

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.

Baby rest times are encouraged between 12.00-14.00, although parents can be present during this time. The rest times are in place to promote growth and well-being of the baby’s on SCU

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.

Mobile phones may be used on the unit, however, we encourage parents to keep nursery areas as peaceful as possible to allow their babies to rest. Due to noise we ask that calls are taken away from the cot side where possible.

There is a payphone at Level 0 of the Ladywell Unit. Additionally, please speak to the a nurse who can arrange for you to use the ward phone if required.

There is free hospital WiFi available for parents. 

We have iPads which can be used by parents to Skype their baby whilst they are separated. We also use Badger Diary which allows parents to receive pictures of their baby during their admission and during times of separation.

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. 

There is a premature baby group who meet at the Devon Antenatal Hub. Contact number: 0796632081

We also recommend the support of local children's centres: Barnstaple Area Children's Centre Services, Action for Children, Sure Start Children's Centres.

Parents and siblings are welcome to be on the unit 24 hours a day

Grandparents can visit at any time except during quiet time from 12.00 to 14.00, and are limited to two at any one time 

The number of visitors are restricted to parents plus two others at any one time

Quiet time from 12.00 to 14.00 is reserved for parents only

No children under the age of 16 may visit except for siblings

All visitors to remove outer wear such as coats and hang them up in the space provided. We also ask all visitors to wash their hands before approaching the cot side.

Anyone who has been in contact with an infection disease such as chickenpox, measles, diarrhoea/ vomiting, coughs, colds, sore throats or is just feeling unwell is asked not to visit.

Dr Michael Selter

Lead Nurse Paediatrics and Neonates – Elizabeth Mills

Ward Manager – Ade Agoro

Ward Manager SCU - Ade Agoro 

Practice Educator - Charlotte Bissett

Breast feeding Support Leads – Charlotte Woollacott, Charlotte Bissett, Kelly Campbell

Developmental Care Leads – Charlotte Woollacott, Alice Dawkins

Baby Massage – Katie Goodwin

Neonatal Outreach Team – Rachel Buller , Alice Dawkins

Data lead – Alicia Rogers, Dr Michael Selter

Data Entry/Ward Clerk - Aria Ward 

Our neonatal outreach nurses work both on SCU and within the community children’s nursing team.  They enable babies who need a little extra support to be discharged home as soon as possible. They provide extra neonatal input in order to make the transition from the ward to home as smooth as possible.