Current visiting times

We know how important it is for patients and families to be able to see visitors. Please help us keep our patients and staff as safe as possible by checking the guidance below before you visiting. 

Read more on visiting times...


Messages for loved ones and keeping in touch

We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication.  Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Voluntary Services team can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.

Read more information about messages for loved ones…

Current visiting times

After suspending visiting earlier in the year, we are now able to offer limited visiting to some wards at the discretion of the nurse in-charge.”

Read more on visiting times...


Messages for loved ones and keeping in touch

We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication.  Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.

Read more information about messages for loved ones…

During your stay in hospital you will meet a number of different members of staff.  All members of staff wear name badges, but if you are not sure who someone is or what they do, please feel free to ask them to introduce themselves and explain what they do. 

If you have any questions about your treatment, please ask a doctor or a nurse.

There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved with the Trust, from volunteering to attending our public meetings, our Annual General Meeting or our hospital open day which is held every year.

News

World Breastfeeding Week: Southsea couple Laura and Lucy Burden-Smith share their breastfeeding journey

Date: 02 August 2021

Laura and Lucy Burden-Smith from Southsea with their three children

For Southsea couple Laura and Lucy Burden-Smith, it was important they were both involved in the breastfeeding journey of their three children.

 

After four fertility treatments, Laura, 39, gave birth to their twin boys at 34 weeks back in June 2018 at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Lucy, 34, said: “The boys were born on different days via different birth methods and, being a touch on the early side, one was born with his suckling reflex and the other needed help with feeding.

“Laura was determined to breastfeed but establishing it with early babies, following difficult births, was not easy. Blood loss made getting a supply up tricky and the smaller twin needed tube feeding.

 

“After we were discharged, one of the twins was still not breastfeeding effectively and it took some weeks to establish it fully with him.

“Once Laura and the boys got going, the next step was to master tandem feeding, initially at home and then out and about

“The Infant Feeding Team from QA did a home visit and the Facebook group for the charity Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK was a great support as well.”

 

Just before the twins’ second birthday, Lucy fell pregnant and Laura decided to carry on feeding once a day in order to maintain her supply in the hope of feeding their new arrival.

Lucy said: “It was always my wish to exclusively breastfeed the child I carried, and, after a long but happy labour, I was thrilled when Laura quickly helped me get him latched and feeding soon after birth.

“After a few days without sleep, I was very appreciative of Laura being around in QA as she was able to give him a feed from the breast whilst I got a couple of precious hours' rest.

 

“Breastfeeding has been a fairly straightforward ride for me; after a few days of soreness, we swiftly cracked it and feeding has been a happy and comfortable experience ever since.

“I am really pleased that our new baby has been exclusively breastfed and that Laura has been able to be part of his feeding story as well.

“We have been lucky to have each other for support in breastfeeding, as well as from wider family and friends who have been positive about our choices."

 

 

For any individuals or couples wanting to get support and advice on breastfeeding, please visit our maternity feeding page.

 

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