Coronavirus (COVID-19)- updated information for visitors
We have some visiting restrictions at this time.
Parents and siblings can be present on the unit at any time. Parents can nominate four other people (family or friend) to visit the neonatal unit with them. Ask the ward clerk or nursing team for a visiting form. Family and friends must visit with a parent, weekdays between 3pm-6.30pm and at weekends 12.30pm-6.30pm. Only 2 people can be at the bedside at anytime and one must be a parent. This will help us to minimise the number of people in the hospital and reduce the risk of spreading infection to keep you and your family safe.
There may be exceptional circumstances to this, which we will discuss with you on an individual basis. Speak to the team or refer to the admission pack for more information about visiting.
Read our latest information on coronavirus.
Location
Sixth floor, North Wing, St Thomas' Hospital.
Directions: turn right at St Thomas' main reception, walk past the toilets and shop and turn left into the North Wing lift A lobby. Take any lift up to the sixth floor.
Family Integrated Care
On the NNU, we believe that parents and staff are equal partners in the care of your baby. We will encourage you to be involved with caring for your baby as quickly as you feel able to after their birth. On our unit we follow a model of care called Family Integrated Care (FICare).
We will help to guide and support you to carry out parenting roles (like changing, cleaning, feeding and holding your baby), as soon as you are ready. Tasks that are more medical remain the responsibility of the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. We see you as equal, essential members of the team looking after your baby, and pride ourselves on working together to get your baby home as soon as possible. We will support you to feel connected with your baby.
Facilities for parents
After birth, new mothers are cared for on the postnatal ward located opposite the Neonatal Unit.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide accommodation on the unit itself. For information about places to stay, see accommodation.
There is a parents’ room on the unit where you can take a break to make something to eat or drink. This room is not for visitors and if you bring your children with you, you must supervise them at all times.
There are lockers for you to store your belongings when you come to spend time with your baby. Please hang outside coats in the designated coat hook area and bring only small essential items to the bedside.
Your nurse
At the start of each shift, your baby’s care will be allocated to a nurse who will work with you to care for your baby that shift. Your bedside nurse is the best person to ask if you need help, but please don’t hesitate to ask another member of staff for assistance.
Your doctor
The doctors involved in your baby's care do a ward round every morning. This is a good time to ask questions and share in decision making about your baby’s care.
Psychology service
Having your baby admitted to the neonatal unit may not have been something you expected. Our psychology team are here to support you. Ask the team for a referral or for more information.
Neonatal Network
If your baby has been transferred to our unit from another hospital, or you do not live locally to St Thomas’ Hospital, we will assess him/her on a daily basis. When well enough, your baby will be transferred back to your local hospital. More information can be found on the London ODN website.