The Neonatal Unit cares for babies with a number of medical conditions. Some babies on the unit are born prematurely, others are born with breathing difficulties or feeding problems and some have abnormalities at birth.
We admit approximately 350 babies each year and have 16 cots, which are split into three areas of intensive care, high dependency and special care.
There are an additional six transitional care rooms within the unit for babies that are well enough to be cared for by parents who may need care such as intravenous antibiotics.
Each area is equipped and heated differently in accordance with the medical needs of its babies. The Unit cares only for babies with medical problems. Those who require surgery are transferred to a regional unit, which is usually St Mary’s in Manchester, or for babies with heart conditions, Alder Hey in Liverpool.
Take a tour of our Neonatal Unit here: Blackpool Neonatal Unit Tour.
The Neonatal Unit is on the first floor of the women’s unit, next to the children’s wards. The department of maternity is also situated in the women’s unit, enabling our staff to work closely with those who work on the delivery suite and post-natal wards in Maternity to offer the most comprehensive and professional care possible for the babies.
Premature and sick babies are vulnerable to infection so any visitors other than parents need to be kept to a minimum. However, we have open visiting for parents and siblings who can visit as often as they wish.
All other visitors to the unit can only gain access if accompanied by a known parent or guardian of the baby between 1pm and 2pm and 6pm and 7pm. The doors are kept locked at all times and CCTV monitors all entrances and exits.
We also ask you to wash your hands on entering the neonatal unit and then again on entering baby’s room to protect our patients.
Find out more about visiting the Maternity department here.
Parents are encouraged to be partners in care in the planning and delivery of care to their baby. We encourage all parents to do as much as they feel able to do and we support parents to learn to care for their baby. For example, giving feeds via a feeding tube, changing nappies and giving mouth-care and eye-care.
Each area is equipped and heated differently in accordance with the medical needs of its babies. The Unit cares only for babies with medical problems. Those who require surgery are transferred to a regional unit, which is usually St Mary’s in Manchester, or for babies with heart conditions, Alder Hey in Liverpool.
Our Unit recognises the value of breastmilk in protecting both preterm and sick babies. We will support and encourage mothers to express their milk but fully support their full feeding journey, allowing families to make informed decisions. Find out more about Infant Feeding here.
Outreach nurses provide care, advice and support to families whose babies are referred to them on discharge.
If you have any concerns about your baby between visits:
- Contact the Neonatal Outreach Community Service on 01253 953641 or 07917 586510
- If appropriate, the outreach nurse may refer your baby to the Children’s Assessment Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital
- If you are unable to contact us, contact your GP or health visitor. Out of hours, telephone call on 111, or 0300 1231144, or visit a local NHS walk-in centre, or the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department as appropriate
- Some babies have pre-arranged direct access to the Children’s Ward if they are unwell, however call 01253 953437 first for advice before bringing your baby into hospital
