Unit Information

Our Unit is a secure one so you will have to press the buzzer on the door and state who/which baby you are here to visit and the ward clerk will allow you access.

You will be informed and introduced (if necessary) to the nurse taking care of your baby/babies on a daily basis. You can speak to any member of the nursing team or medical team. You will also be able to attend the ward round about your baby.

Again any member of staff can help to deal with your concerns. The Trust also has a PALS department (Patient Advisory Liaison Service) who can deal with complaints, concerns as well as any compliments.

You are welcome to attend the morning ward round alternatively an appointment can be made for you to speak with your named consultant at any time.

Ward rounds are conducted every morning, usually starting around 9.30; the length of the ward round will vary depending on the number of baby’s on the Unit and their levels of care.

Protected time between 13.00 - 15.00 daily

Mobile phones must be kept on silent or put in flight mode when in the nurseries. Please do not make or answer phone calls in the Nurseries. You are welcome to take pictures of you and your baby; however you must not take pictures where staff, visitors other than your own or other patients are visible in the background. If you want to take a video you must inform staff, to ensure confidentiality of patients is maintained.

WiFi access is available

Five parent bedrooms available for short stay purposes.

Overnight single beds may be available for use at special care cubicle cot sides. 

Four bathrooms, as well as two shower rooms are available on the unit.

There is a parent kitchen on the unit where food and drink can be prepared.

Hospital grade breast pumps are available in every cot space.

Curtains/screening for privacy provided in every cot space.

Separate breastfeeding /expressing room available.

Children’s play area within the Outpatient area.

Once per month on the Unit there is a gathering for ex neonatal unit families at a local children’s centre.

Information is available on request about other support groups, eg, twins, BLISS.

Parents have unrestricted access to the Neonatal Unit 24 hours a day. They can be with their baby at any time of day or night and for as long as they wish. The Neonatal Unit is secure to protect babies and their families, access will be given via use of an intercom entry system.

24 hour visiting for siblings when accompanied by parents. Please make sure that siblings are supervised at all times.

To be accompanied by a parent unless otherwise stated by parents.

Two visitors per cot at any time. One parent to be present unless stated otherwise with parental permission

No children under 16, other than siblings, can visit the Neonatal Unit.

Handwashing stations are situated inside the entrance doors to the Neonatal Unit.

Please remove your outdoor coats and hang them on the coat pegs outside reception. Please take any valuables out of your coat and take them with you onto the Unit.

Visiting if you are unwell:

Infections pose a great risk to a premature or sick baby so if you are a parent and feel unwell you must enquire from the nurse looking after your baby if it is safe for you to come and see your baby. No other visitors can visit if they are unwell.

With infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, measles and mumps, a person can have the infection and infect others before they show any symptoms themselves. Therefore if parents (or other visitors) have come in contact with anyone who has an infectious disease, it is very important that you talk to your baby's nurse or doctor about the risks this poses to yourself and your baby before you travel to the hospital.

The decision to allow visiting will depend upon individual circumstances.