Visiting the NICU Admission to the NICUHow we care for your baby Neonatal surgery Developmental care Parental involvement Coping and where to get help Family journeys Parental rights and responsibilities NICU jargon buster Frequently asked questions

Infection control

 

All premature and sick babies are at increased risk of infection. It is essential that all staff, parents and visitors wash their hands on entering a clinical area and before handling a baby. There is also hand rub at each cot space to use. It is important that you inform / ask staff for advice if you or your family are unwell with a cold, tummy bug or flu or have been in recent contact with chicken pox. To reduce the risk of cross infection and maintain good visibility to your baby we ask that only two toys per cot are used.

 

> Infection control

 

 

Finding us

 

...from within the Rosie

 

The unit is situated on Level 3 of the Rosie Hospital and is well sign-posted and easy to find.

 

If you use the lift, exit on level 3, turn left, go through the double doors and then turn right after the stairwell and the doors of the unit are in front of you. Use the intercom to alert the reception staff that you have arrived.

 

...from the main entrance

 

From the main hospital entrance turn right into the main concourse. Follow signs towards the Addenbrooke's Treatment Centre and the Rosie Maternity Hospital. Walk straight along the 'Clown' corridor until you reach a left turn which is signposted 'Rosie'. Follow this corridor up the ramp until you see lifts on the right hand side.

 

Parking information

 

Visitors should park in the Treatment Centre car park or the main hospital car park.

 

See the Finding us section for more travel information.

 

Visiting times

 

 

Parents and siblings can visit any time of the day or night on NICU. The only exception to this rule would be during ward rounds and during certain procedures, when you would be asked to leave the unit. Please see restriction to access below.

 

Visiting by other family and friends is restricted to 14.00 - 16.30 and 18.00 - 2000 hours.

 

Rest time: 13.00 -14.00.

 

Children can bring infections into the unit that could harm your baby, so we ask that only brothers and sisters of babies visit. If brothers and sisters are not well visiting is not advised; please ask the staff for advice if you are unsure. Other children aged 16 and below must not visit.

 

Please note: we can only accommodate two visitors per cot space, one of whom must be a parent. This is due to space restrictions and so that the unit does not become overcrowded or too noisy. Cameras and camcorders are allowed but please avoid taking pictures of other babies and parents.

 

All babies have a right to privacy so please avoid staring and commenting on other babies on the unit.

 

Many parents can be offended by being asked questions by a stranger.

 

Restrictions to access

 

During ward rounds when the doctors, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team, such as the dietician and pharmacist, will plan and co- ordinate your baby's care. The evening round also allows the day staff to handover your baby's care to the night staff.

 

There are a few occasions when we have to ask you to leave the area in which your baby is being cared for. This will be:

1. During ward rounds. This is to prevent conversations about your baby being heard by other parents or visitors. Times of ward rounds are 14.00 hours (weekdays excluding Mondays) and 09.00 hours (Mondays and weekends)
   
   
2. When an x-ray is being performed
   
   
3. If there is a medical emergency It may be that another baby in the room needs urgent medical attention from many members of staff. This may be distressing for you, but also means that we need as much space in the nursery as possible
   
   
4. During planned surgery. Some babies are too sick to move to theatres and will need to have their surgery on the NICU. In these situations the room needs to be closed to any visitors. Whilst this may be distressing if you are unable to visit your baby, staff will try to keep these occurrences to a minimum. Your baby will continue to be closely monitored.

 

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Telephones

 

There have been occasions when mobile telephones have caused vital medical equipment to fail. To protect your baby and others, please ensure that all mobile phones are switched off whenever you are in any area of the clinical areas (NICU, SCBU or Sara ward). Mobile phones can be used in the parent rooms on NICU. Please ensure the phone is switched off before returning to the clinical area.

 

Alternatively there are payphones in the lift lobby and the parents' corridor on NICU. There is also a portable payphone on Sara Ward which can be used in a 'quiet room' for confidentiality. Please ask staff if you require this.

 

Security

 

Access to all areas is controlled by security lock. This is for the protection of your baby and so that ward staff know who is coming into the ward. Please do not allow anyone to follow you into the unit, even if they appear to be a member of staff. Staff who work on the unit have access passes, but others may be restricted. Please understand why we have to have this system and be patient when waiting to be let in.

 

Should you have any concerns about security, please speak to a member of staff. For personal belongings there are lockers outside NICU to store valuables when visiting. For parents staying in the rooms on NICU there are also lockers outside the parents sitting room. Please remember to leave the key in the lock when not being used.

 

 

 

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