Each Neonatal unit is a twelve bedded unit taking premature and
term babies who do not require intensive care, but are unable to be
cared for on a regular postnatal ward. The units will provide
some intensive care support but depending on the condition of the
baby, he or she may need transfer to a neonatal intensive care
unit.
A team of doctors will oversee the care of your baby
whilst on the neonatal unit. This team consists of junior and
senior doctors and consultant paediatricians.
The Neonatal Services manager oversees both units, and
manages a team of nurses who are based on the units and rotate
between both sites. Other staff who may have input into the care of
the baby include:
•
Dieticians to ensure your baby is receiving optimal nutrition
•
Pharmacists who review medicines
•
Ophthalmologist may check your baby's eyes
•
Audiology technicians will check hearing prior to discharge
•
Radiographers may take x-rays
•
Speech and language team may be required to assess feeding
mechanisms
•
Physiotherapists may be asked to support positional care
Ward rounds take place in the mornings. Parents are encouraged
to stay for ward rounds to participate in decisions regarding their
baby's but may be asked to wait outside the nursery whilst other
babies are discussed to maintain confidentiality.
Some babies only require a short stay whilst others are with us
much longer. Your baby's care will be tailored to their individual
requirements to ensure your baby receives the most optimal, family
centred care. Both units have comfortable chairs to help with
establishing breastfeeding and also a family room for parents to
gain confidence to help you prepare for taking your baby home.
Whilst your baby has been on the neonatal unit you have
had a lot of support, with staff available to answer questions and
give advice. Going home is something you are looking forward to but
it can also cause some anxiety as well as relief. Research has
shown that babies thrive better in their home environment. Some of
the advantages that have been shown are an improvement in bonding
and oral feeding, better family integration, less expense of
travelling costs for parents and reduced risk of hospital acquired
infections.
Prior to discharge planning, you will have been caring for your
baby and built up your parent craft skills, gained confidence with
your chosen feeding method and will be able to safely
give nasogastric tube feeds.
You may take your baby home before he or she is fully fed as
long as you feel safe to do so, are able to bring him back to the
unit overnight if any problems occur and also contactable via the
telephone. When your baby is ready for outreach your nurse will
discuss your views on this and prepare for discharge. Whilst
on outreach, you will be visited usually every other day to enable
us to monitor feeding and weight. You can contact the unit at any
time for advice.
