Areas within the Unit

Our Neonatal Unit is made up of three main areas: Intensive Care, High Dependency Care, and Special Care.

To help us maintain a safe environment, we ask that you wash your hands every time you visit your baby, and ensure that any visitors do the same.

If you need any help or have questions during your time on the Unit, please speak to a member of staff — we are always here to support you.

Feeding your baby

Our staff are here to support you with whichever feeding method you choose, whether breast or bottle feeding. The Neonatal Unit follows the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative standards.
For more details, please see the Feeding Your Baby section.

Expressing Room

If you wish to express breastmilk, you are welcome to use our expressing room. While we encourage cot‑side expressing, some mothers prefer a quiet space away from the nursery, and the expressing room can offer privacy and comfort. It is also a place where many parents find companionship with others going through similar experiences.

When you are on the Unit, we recommend using our hospital‑grade breast pumps. For home use, you may wish to purchase or hire a pump. We also have a limited number available to loan throughout your stay.

Parents’ Room

A Parents’ Room is available for you to use while visiting your baby. Here you will find refreshments, tea and coffee‑making facilities, a fridge and a microwave should you wish to bring food from home.
Snack packs are provided daily for parents.

When siblings visit, there are a small number of toys and books available to help keep them occupied.

General Information

Mobile Phones

Please keep mobile phones on silent while visiting.

Video calls may be permitted for family members who cannot visit, but only when privacy and confidentiality can be maintained, and with permission from the nurse caring for your baby.

If you need to take a call, please step outside the nursery.
We also kindly ask that you limit phone use during visits — this is precious time to bond, cuddle, talk, sing, and read to your baby, all of which support their development.

Visiting

During some seasons (such as flu season) it may be that only parents, siblings and/ or grandparents are permitted to visit.

Under normal circumstances:

• Parents may visit at any time.
• Other family members and friends may visit between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
• Only your own children may visit, due to infection risks.
• A parent must be present whenever other visitors are on the Unit.

Direct Phone Line

Parents will be given the direct telephone number for the Neonatal Unit when their baby is admitted.
This number is for parents only and should not be shared with others.

Visiting

Chapel

A chapel is located in the Esher Wing. Chaplains are available to speak with you or visit your baby if you wish. Please ask a member of staff for more information.

Children

For safety reasons, children must always be supervised by an adult.

Toilet and Bathroom facilities

A parents’ toilet and shower is available on the Unit.

Where to Eat & Refreshments

Hospital Restaurant

Located on Level 2 of the Kingston Surgical Centre. Serves hot and cold meals, drinks, and snacks.
Open daily from 7am to 3pm.

Costa Coffee Shop

Located at the main entrance of Bernard Meade Wing. Offers hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.
Open 24 hours a day

Royal Voluntary Service

Is open Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm.
They serve hot & cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and snacks.

Vending Machines

Vending machines are available throughout the hospital.

Cold water is available nearby, and tea/coffee facilities are in the Parents’ Room.
Please take care with hot drinks when siblings are present.
For safety reasons, hot drinks can only be consumed in the nursery if they are in a cup with a lid on.