Resources for families
What to bring with you
To ensure your baby has all the things they need, please bring:
- nappies - size 1 or 2
- cotton wool or water wipes
- blankets, muslins and bibs
- baby clothes
- baby barrier cream
- headphones (see 'Visiting information' section below).
Visiting information
Parents are welcome to be with their baby at any time of day – there are no restrictions to when you can come.
Doctor’s ward rounds are held between 9am and 12pm every day, so we encourage you to attend between these hours so that you can get medical updates regarding your baby. Parents will be asked to bring sound-isolating headphones to wear during ward rounds when other babies are being seen. This is to preserve the confidentiality of each baby’s care.
If you are not feeling well with fever, cough or cold it is best not to visit until you are feeling better. You can still get regular updates by calling the unit.
Our visiting policy can change throughout the year; in general we allow other visitors such as grandparents and siblings between 1pm to 7pm. To maintain a quiet environment within the neonatal unit we allow a maximum of three people by the baby’s bedside. If you are unsure please ask the bedside nurse about our visiting policy.
Visitors
We would like you and your family to spend as much time as you want with your baby.
Visitors must wash their hands on entering the unit and remove outdoor clothing, watches and jewellery. They must ensure sleeves are rolled up to the elbow.
Both parents may visit the baby 24/7.
Other visitors can visit from 1-7pm. This includes:
- baby’s siblings - sorry, no other children allowed.
- baby’s grandparents. If grandparents are unable to visit, two other adults can be nominated. However, these nominated people cannot be changed.
Facilities
We have a parents’ kitchen containing a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. Milk, tea, coffee and sugar are provided.
Please do not eat, or drink hot drinks in the nurseries. There is a parent’s sitting room for parents to eat and rest while they are visiting or waiting during ward rounds.
There are lockers available, so please ask the team to activate one for your use. Do not leave valuable items anywhere on the unit as we will not be held responsible for any loss.
There is an expressing room available and there are breast pumps to use next to your baby. Ask one of the staff about how to use the facilities.