Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

This is a specialised ward for the treatment of premature and sick newborn babies. It is situated between the delivery suite and B26 ward.

Some parents-to-be already know that they are expecting a baby who may experience some problems after the birth. If this affects you the staff on the neonatal unit will arrange a visit for you to look around the ward in preparation for receiving your baby after he or she is born.

The unit is divided into different treatment areas. Each bay can accommodate several babies and a named team of nurses and doctors will be allocated to care for your baby. The staff will arrange for you to come and see your baby as soon as possible after he or she is born. In the meantime, photographs will be taken of your baby for you to have. Once your baby has been assessed on the neonatal unit, the staff will give you more information about the care and treatment of your baby. They will also give details of a telephone number for you to ring day or night if you wish to contact the unit to check on your baby’s progress.

You will be encouraged to be as involved as possible with caring for your baby. It is quite normal for you to feel very anxious about this; the staff understand your feelings and are there to support you. They will also explain the different types of equipment being used and will keep you up-to-date with your baby’s progress. There is a ‘family Care Co-ordinator’ in the unit who will provide information about the unit and additional support both during your baby’s stay and after he or she goes home.

While you are visiting your baby, there are facilities for you to have a drink as well as a quiet seating and family area. The unit also has two family bedrooms which are usually used by parents whose baby is almost ready to go home. It provides privacy while caring for your baby independently but you have the security of knowing that staff are on hand if you experience any problems.