Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)                

Picture courtesy of Chris Rushton                                                                                                     

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is based within the Maternity department and offers care for up to 23 babies and their families.  The unit has 6 intensive care cots, 4 high dependency cots and 13 special care cots.  There is also a special isolation room. 

Babies are admitted for a variety of reasons. Some are born early in pregnancy from 24 weeks gestation, weighing in at just 500 grams, others may be babies who are born at term but are unwell and need our specialised medical or nursing care. Babies are generally admitted from the labour ward or from the midwifery wards and occasionally from other neonatal units.        

Having a baby on the Neonatal Unit can be a very difficult time for parents and families.  So that parents can spend as much time as possible with their baby, we have 6 ensuite parent over-night stay bedrooms with kitchen and lounge facilities.                     

Our visiting policy is designed to minimise the risks of infection and preserve privacy for babies and families. Parents and siblings may visit at any time or enquire by telephone. Grandparents can visit the unit daily between 1-3pm, as long as they are accompanied by the parents.

Staff encourage parents to help care for their babies while they are on the unit and spend time with parents helping them to feel comfortable and confident.  Parents are also supported by community midwies when they take their baby home.

Our nursing team comprises children's nurses, nurses, midwives, advanced neonatal nurse practitioners, a breast feeding and research midwife and health care support workers. We have four consultants and work closely with other health professionals such as dieticians, physiotherapists and pharmacists. We also support many pre and post registration nursing and midwifery students and medical students. 

In conjunction with the maternity unit, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has been awarded the UNICEF Baby Friendly status. 

The unit is part of the Staffordshire Shropshire and Black Country Newborn Network, which has 6 units within the West Midlands.

Contacts: NICU Reception - 01782 672400