What happens when I come in?
If a surgical condition has been diagnosed during your pregnancy, you will meet with a consultant and nurse specialist to discuss the diagnosis and plans for treating your baby. You will have an opportunity to see the neonatal unit and some of the equipment that may be used for your baby's care. We will introduce you to staff on the unit so that there are some familiar faces when your baby is admitted.
As well as our discussions, we will give you information leaflets about your baby's condition. We will stay in touch with your throughout your pregnancy so you will be able to get additional support and information whenever you need it.
We also work closely with the health visitor team, and your health visitor will be informed that you baby will potentially need to be admitted to hospital. We will often know this as early as 17 to 20 weeks into your pregnancy, so your health visitor can become involved early on.
Our nurse specialist can visit you at home, during your pregnancy and after your baby has been born, as well as once your baby has been discharged from hospital.
On the neonatal unit
Facilities
We have very limited facilities for parents to stay on the neonatal unit, and will give priority to breastfeeding mothers. A parent can usually stay for one to two nights before your baby is discharged. There are other accommodation facilities nearby that may be available, but please be aware that they can't be pre-booked. Please speak to your baby's nurse if you would like to stay on the unit while your baby is with us.
Visiting hours
You're welcome to visit and spend time with your baby on the neonatal unit. Siblings, grandparents and other adult family members and friends are also welcome. Please accompany your baby's visitors. If possible, they should visit between 2.30 and 4pm, or 6.30 to 7.30pm. Parents can visit at any time.
Due to limited space it is only possible to have three people visiting your baby at any one time. We do ask that you leave the nursery during doctor's ward rounds and nursing handovers, to ensure confidentiality for each baby and family.