Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Parent Support

Neonatal Team

All of the neonatal team provide support to you the parents, your baby and relatives. We do this by offering information, care and advice while working together in partnership with you.

Infant Feeding Advisor

The NICU employs an Infant Feeding Advisor who can provide you with information, advice and practical support with any feeding problems, and to answer most questions you may have. The Infant Feeding Advisor can assist you in deciding on the most appropriate  feeding method for you and your baby. They will also support you throughout your baby’s stay in the NICU. If you wish to speak with the Infant Feeding Advisor please ask the nurse caring for your baby.

Developmental Care / Family Supportive Care Nurse

NICU employs a Family Supportive Care Nurse who can provide you with extra information about cues, massage and transport care. You can see her by speaking to the nurse looking after your baby.

The Family Nurse

On admission your baby will be allocated a Family Nurse and an Associate Family Nurse. The aim of this is to create a 'special nurse' for your baby to promote continuity during your stay. These nurses will not be able to provide all the care during hospitalisation but will be  working with other members of staff to respond to your concerns and answer any questions.

BLISS Parent Support

This organisation provides support and information for parents who have or have had a baby on a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Branch members are all parents who have had babies on the unit and can understand how you may be feeling. BLISS volunteers visit the unit regularly to chat to and support parents. Please see the BLISS display on the unit for details .If you feel you would like to speak to someone at any other time or you would like someone to visit you when you go home, please contact the branch by telephoning the local number (see below). There is also a website: http://www.bliss.org.uk/

'The Hospital at Home' Community Team

The Team is a group of nurses attached to the neonatal unit who make home visits to babies who require ongoing special care.

Come and meet the community neonatal team, over a cup of coffee. They will offer you any advice or information that you require and alleviate any fears you may have at the prospect of taking your baby home.

It is held every first Friday of the month between 10am and 12noon in the parent craft room just along from NICU on Level B. The team will come to the unit on these Fridays to accompany you if you are unsure where to find the venue.

The Chaplaincy

The Chaplains visit the ward regularly. Recognising that this is a very anxious time for parents, Chaplains are available to offer general personal support - sometimes a confidential chat to share anxieties can be helpful. Chaplains, on request, also seek to meet religious needs - perhaps by offering a prayer for you and your baby. Baptism Services or a Naming and Blessing Ceremony can be arranged, and the local Leaders of most Work Faiths can be contacted for you.

When we visit the ward we try to speak to everyone, so don't worry that we are singling you out! The Chapel and Multifaith / Quiet Room found on Level A can be haven of peace and quiet....

The Parent Infant Counsellor

We recognise how difficult it is for parents and babies in the unit. Our service aims to offer a listening ear support and help parents and babies to cope and strengthen their bonds. An experienced parent infant counsellor is available for those who want to use the service.